Australia is removing the symbol of the British monarchy from its banknotes. The country’s central bank announced Thursday that the new $5 note will have a “design” that reflects the country, rather than an image of Britain’s King Charles III.
Australia is removing the symbol of the British monarchy from its banknotes. The country’s central bank announced Thursday that the new $5 note will have a “design” that reflects the country, rather than an image of Britain’s King Charles III. However, it is likely that the portrait of Maharaja Carlos III will continue to appear on coins. In Australia, only the five dollar bill bears the stamp of the British monarchy.
The bank said the decision was made after consultation with the government and that the government supported the change. On the other hand, the opposition parties have described this step as politically motivated. The British monarch is still considered Australia’s head of state, although his role is now largely symbolic. The Reserve Bank of Australia has said the new $5 note will replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with a different design. Queen Elizabeth II passed away last year.
The bank said the move would demonstrate respect for “the culture and history of Indigenous Australians.” “The reverse of the $5 note will carry the image of the Australian Parliament as before,” the bank said in a statement. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the change was an opportunity to strike a good balance. “The monarchy will remain on the coins, but the five dollar bill will reflect our history, our culture and our country,” he told reporters in Melbourne. I think this is a big step.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton compared the move to changing the date of ‘Australia Day’ (National Day). He told ‘2GB Radio’ that a large number of people who are currently silent disagree with this and those people will be seen expressing their views online. Dutton said the decision was mainly made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and that he should take responsibility. Maharaja Charles III’s image can be seen on coins later this year. The value of one Australian dollar in US currency is approximately 71 pence.
Disclaimer:Prabhasakshi has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.