New $5 banknote to celebrate First Nations ties to country
The RBA has revealed a design celebrating Indigenous people’s connections to country will replace the image of the monarch on Australia’s $5 note.
The new note bearing the theme, selected from more than 2,100 public nominations, will be the first not to feature a monarch.
Before selecting the theme, the RBA engaged with First Nations organisations across the country to encourage submissions.
And the redesign panel included First Nations representatives, as well as those from the RBA and Note Printing Australia.
Australia’s previous $5 bank note design, which was replaced in September 2016. (Supplied: Reserve Bank of Australia)
On Monday, the RBA assistant governor Michelle McPhee revealed the design theme, which she said encompassed “the deep connection First Nations peoples have to the land, the waters and the sky”.
“This inspiring theme will guide the creation of an artwork that will feature on the redesigned banknote,”
she added.
The RBA noted those making submissions were encouraged to view this connection to country in the context of “overturning of the concept of terra nullius”.
“The tone for the banknote is of a hopeful future, where First Nation peoples’ connection to country is celebrated and respected,” the RBA said.
In February 2023, the RBA announced King Charles would not feature on the banknote following the queen’s death.
The decision prompted outrage from some, including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton who called it an “another attack on our systems, our society and institutions”.
There have been Indigenous designs on different notes throughout the decades, including the first $1 banknote in 1966.
The $50 banknote features David Uniapon, a Ngarrindjeri man from South Australia, who is an author, inventor, activist and musician.
The reverse side of the new $5 note will continue to feature the Australian Parliament.
