Tuesday, Mar 18 2025 | Time 18:13 Hrs(IST)
World


Australian central bank unveils First Nations theme for new banknote

Canberra, Mar 18 (UNI) The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced that the new five-dollar banknote will honor First Nations people's deep connection to the country, replacing the image of the monarch.
The theme was selected from over 2,100 public nominations following consultations with First Nations organizations, "which will honor the enduring emotional, spiritual, and physical connection of First Nations peoples to Country," said an RBA release on Monday.
RBA Assistant Governor Michelle McPhee described the theme as reflecting the profound bond between Indigenous peoples and the land, waters, and sky, which will guide the creation of an artwork that will feature on the redesigned banknote.
The design will be the first banknote not to feature a monarch, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
"The artwork should avoid being tokenistic or stereotypical. The tone for the banknote is of a hopeful future, where First Nation peoples' connection to Country is celebrated and respected," said the RBA release.
Despite the redesign, the reverse side of the note will continue to feature the Parliament House.
The decision to exclude King Charles on the banknote, announced in February 2023, sparked criticism from some, including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who saw it as an attack on Australian institutions, the ABC reported.
Indigenous representation on Australian currency is not new. David Unaipon, a Ngarrindjeri author, inventor, activist and musician, appears on the 50-dollar note, and the first one-dollar banknote in 1966 also featured an Indigenous design.
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