RBA’s big decision for the $5 note has left Australians split—where do you stand?
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Currency designs are more than just pieces of paper—they reflect a nation's identity, history, and values.
So, when a major change is announced, it’s bound to stir debate.
A decision has been made about the future of Australia's $5 note, and it’s one that has divided opinions across the country.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) revealed the new direction for the country’s $5 note, confirming it would not feature King Charles III or a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Instead, the updated design would focus on an Indigenous theme, highlighting the connection to Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The late Queen had been on the $5 note since 1992, and speculation had grown over who or what would replace her.
The RBA shared it had received many ‘creative ideas’ from the public after seeking input on the redesign.
The bank ultimately decided on a concept called ‘Connection to Country,’ stating it aimed to be more ‘inclusive’ with Australia’s currency.
‘Country is the land, the waters and the sky,’ the RBA said.
‘Key to this theme is the recognition of First Nations communities’ contribution to the restoration and conservation of our environment.’
‘An important context for this connection is the overturning of the concept of terra nullius.’
‘In acknowledging connection and caring for Country the theme should be inclusive, recognising the nature of Country varies, but it is all connected.’
The RBA confirmed that Canberra’s Parliament House would remain on the new note.
More than 2,100 submissions were made about the redesign, with suggestions covering First Nations culture, storytelling, native wildlife, and landmarks.
RBA Assistant Governor Business Services Michelle McPhee said many ideas focused on ‘First Nations cultures, storytelling, art and design, native animals and important landmarks.’
The final look of the new banknote had yet to be unveiled, but the RBA said it would enter circulation in the coming years.
The bank also assured that the design would reflect Indigenous culture in a meaningful way and not be ‘tokenistic or stereotypical.’
The decision divided Australians, with some royalists unhappy that King Charles III would not be featured.
‘Keep the Queen on our $5 notes. She dedicated her life to her service. She commanded the commonwealth for such a long time. How horrible to just erase her off the notes. So wrong,’ one person said.
‘Is that a gee up? We are still part of the Commonwealth under King Charles he should be on our currency,’ another wrote.
Others welcomed the change, believing it was a positive step.
‘Who actually has such small issues in life that this will become the thing that makes them lose sleep at night? At least First Nations themes make more sense than the dude in a different country that is our monarch in name only,’ a supporter commented.
Another said: ‘I know some people hate it, but I think it’s fun! Every time we embrace First Nations people, it makes me proud to be Australian.’
A Yahoo Finance poll showed a close split, with 52 per cent preferring King Charles III to be featured over another design.
In a previous story, an Aussie worker discovered a surprising loophole that could help you reclaim damaged cash.
Many people don’t realise that torn or worn-out notes might still have value.
Find out how you could get your money back.
Currency changes don’t happen often, and when they do, they spark plenty of discussion.
Do you think the new design is a fitting tribute to First Nations culture, or should King Charles III have been included?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
So, when a major change is announced, it’s bound to stir debate.
A decision has been made about the future of Australia's $5 note, and it’s one that has divided opinions across the country.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) revealed the new direction for the country’s $5 note, confirming it would not feature King Charles III or a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Instead, the updated design would focus on an Indigenous theme, highlighting the connection to Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The late Queen had been on the $5 note since 1992, and speculation had grown over who or what would replace her.
RBA unveils bold new $5 note design. Image source: Reserve Bank of Australia
The RBA shared it had received many ‘creative ideas’ from the public after seeking input on the redesign.
The bank ultimately decided on a concept called ‘Connection to Country,’ stating it aimed to be more ‘inclusive’ with Australia’s currency.
‘Country is the land, the waters and the sky,’ the RBA said.
‘Key to this theme is the recognition of First Nations communities’ contribution to the restoration and conservation of our environment.’
‘An important context for this connection is the overturning of the concept of terra nullius.’
‘In acknowledging connection and caring for Country the theme should be inclusive, recognising the nature of Country varies, but it is all connected.’
The RBA confirmed that Canberra’s Parliament House would remain on the new note.
More than 2,100 submissions were made about the redesign, with suggestions covering First Nations culture, storytelling, native wildlife, and landmarks.
RBA Assistant Governor Business Services Michelle McPhee said many ideas focused on ‘First Nations cultures, storytelling, art and design, native animals and important landmarks.’
The final look of the new banknote had yet to be unveiled, but the RBA said it would enter circulation in the coming years.
The bank also assured that the design would reflect Indigenous culture in a meaningful way and not be ‘tokenistic or stereotypical.’
The decision divided Australians, with some royalists unhappy that King Charles III would not be featured.
‘Keep the Queen on our $5 notes. She dedicated her life to her service. She commanded the commonwealth for such a long time. How horrible to just erase her off the notes. So wrong,’ one person said.
‘Is that a gee up? We are still part of the Commonwealth under King Charles he should be on our currency,’ another wrote.
Others welcomed the change, believing it was a positive step.
‘Who actually has such small issues in life that this will become the thing that makes them lose sleep at night? At least First Nations themes make more sense than the dude in a different country that is our monarch in name only,’ a supporter commented.
Another said: ‘I know some people hate it, but I think it’s fun! Every time we embrace First Nations people, it makes me proud to be Australian.’
A Yahoo Finance poll showed a close split, with 52 per cent preferring King Charles III to be featured over another design.
In a previous story, an Aussie worker discovered a surprising loophole that could help you reclaim damaged cash.
Many people don’t realise that torn or worn-out notes might still have value.
Find out how you could get your money back.
Currency changes don’t happen often, and when they do, they spark plenty of discussion.
Do you think the new design is a fitting tribute to First Nations culture, or should King Charles III have been included?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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