Aussie banknotes are set to undergo a 'subtle' change
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A subtle detail on Australian banknotes is about to undergo a change, though it may be so subtle you might not notice it when it comes.
Every Australian banknote bears the signatures of both the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor and the secretary to the Treasury. Since 2022, the RBA governor's signature has been positioned above that of the secretary to the Treasury.
With Michele Bullock assuming the role of RBA governor this week, it necessitates a change in this signature, replacing the one from former governor Philip Lowe—who stepped down after completing a seven-year term.
The RBA has indicated that they still have banknote stock with Lowe's signature and will continue to release them into circulation based on demand.
Banknotes featuring Bullock's signature will be introduced in due course as part of their regular banknote stock management.
This marks the first time in Australia's history that a woman's signature will grace this spot on the note. Since 1989, the RBA governor's signature has held a prominent place on Aussie cash.
This week marks Bullock's inaugural week as the ninth governor of the central bank, a role she has been preparing for since her humble beginnings as an intern at the bank in 1983.
'Bit excited. Big challenges ahead, but I'm looking forward to it. Looking forward to working for the people of Australia,' she said.
Beyond the symbolic alteration to the banknotes, significant changes are underway during Bullock's tenure.
Commencing in 2024, RBA cash rate meetings will transition to a six-week schedule, extending over two days. Following these meetings, a media conference will allow Bullock to elucidate the cash rate decision, its rationale, and its implications for Australians.
The countdown has begun, with Bullock's first interest rate decision scheduled for early October.
Bullock came to the role after just 15 months as the Deputy Governor, a position that has often been the springboard for the top job.
Bullock progressively took on increasingly significant roles at the bank, culminating in her appointment as an Assistant Governor in 2010, before assuming the position of Deputy RBA Governor in April of the previous year.
Jonathan Kearns, a former senior RBA executive, spoke highly of Bullock, noting her exceptional qualifications and comprehensive understanding of every facet of the RBA.
During her time as the Assistant Governor for Financial Systems, Kearns led the RBA's financial stability department for five years, working closely under Bullock's leadership.
He praised her as 'an attentive listener who values input from those around her' and underscored her ability to grasp unfamiliar issues quickly—skills that proved invaluable during the unforeseen challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Members, how do you feel about the new leadership? And do you think there’s a chance there might be more interest rate hikes? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to leave a comment below!
Every Australian banknote bears the signatures of both the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor and the secretary to the Treasury. Since 2022, the RBA governor's signature has been positioned above that of the secretary to the Treasury.
With Michele Bullock assuming the role of RBA governor this week, it necessitates a change in this signature, replacing the one from former governor Philip Lowe—who stepped down after completing a seven-year term.
The RBA has indicated that they still have banknote stock with Lowe's signature and will continue to release them into circulation based on demand.
Banknotes featuring Bullock's signature will be introduced in due course as part of their regular banknote stock management.
This marks the first time in Australia's history that a woman's signature will grace this spot on the note. Since 1989, the RBA governor's signature has held a prominent place on Aussie cash.
This week marks Bullock's inaugural week as the ninth governor of the central bank, a role she has been preparing for since her humble beginnings as an intern at the bank in 1983.
'Bit excited. Big challenges ahead, but I'm looking forward to it. Looking forward to working for the people of Australia,' she said.
Beyond the symbolic alteration to the banknotes, significant changes are underway during Bullock's tenure.
Commencing in 2024, RBA cash rate meetings will transition to a six-week schedule, extending over two days. Following these meetings, a media conference will allow Bullock to elucidate the cash rate decision, its rationale, and its implications for Australians.
The countdown has begun, with Bullock's first interest rate decision scheduled for early October.
Bullock came to the role after just 15 months as the Deputy Governor, a position that has often been the springboard for the top job.
Bullock progressively took on increasingly significant roles at the bank, culminating in her appointment as an Assistant Governor in 2010, before assuming the position of Deputy RBA Governor in April of the previous year.
Jonathan Kearns, a former senior RBA executive, spoke highly of Bullock, noting her exceptional qualifications and comprehensive understanding of every facet of the RBA.
During her time as the Assistant Governor for Financial Systems, Kearns led the RBA's financial stability department for five years, working closely under Bullock's leadership.
He praised her as 'an attentive listener who values input from those around her' and underscored her ability to grasp unfamiliar issues quickly—skills that proved invaluable during the unforeseen challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Key Takeaways
- Australians will notice a slight change in their banknotes in the coming weeks due to a change in the Reserve Bank of Australia's top position.
- New governor Michele Bullock's signature will replace former governor Philip Lowe's signature on new banknotes—the first time a woman's signature has featured in this position.
- During Bullock's tenure, RBA cash rate meetings will occur every six weeks instead of every month from 2024 and will also roll over two days, followed by a media conference.
- This week is Bullock's first week on the job as the ninth governor of the central bank, a role she had been preparing for since starting as an intern at the bank in 1983.
Members, how do you feel about the new leadership? And do you think there’s a chance there might be more interest rate hikes? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to leave a comment below!