The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a significant redesign of the $5 note, replacing the image of the monarch with a theme celebrating Indigenous people’s deep connections to their land. This landmark change marks the first time an Australian banknote will not feature a monarch.
The new design theme was selected from over 2,100 public nominations, following extensive engagement with First Nations organizations across the country to encourage submissions. The redesign panel included representatives from First Nations communities, as well as members of the RBA and Note Printing Australia.
On Monday, RBA Assistant Governor Michelle McPhee unveiled the theme, highlighting its focus on the profound relationship First Nations peoples have with “the land, the waters, and the sky.” She stated, “This inspiring theme will guide the creation of an artwork that will feature on the redesigned banknote.”
The RBA emphasized that submissions were encouraged to reflect this connection in the context of overturning the concept of terra nullius, which denied Indigenous land rights. The new banknote aims to convey a tone of hope for the future, where the connection of First Nations peoples to country is both celebrated and respected.
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