British Monarchy Departs From Australian Bills To Make Way For Indigenous Groups

In a landmark move for Australia, the country plans to remove the British monarch from its legal tender.
 
The move will affect its $5 bill, the only denomination to host a sovereign. Currently, it features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. However, since her passing last September, King Charles III was meant to take her place on the note.
 
The British monarchy still rules as head of state in Australia, with it still being under the Commonwealth. In 1999, the people voted to keep the sovereign as its head of state. However, since then, many have viewed the royal family’s involvement as largely symbolic.

 
When Matt Thistlewaite was appointed assistant minister for the republic by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year, Thistlewaite declared there would be no change under the queen’s reign. However, following a consultation, the Labor Party’s center-left administration made the choice after her passing.
 
The bank plans to replace her portrait with one depicting the Indigenous groups of Australia. However, a design has yet to be settled, and it may take years before the note is ready. Until then, the current bill will remain in use.

According to Associated Press News, the Australian Reserve Bank said the move was to honor “the culture and history of the First Australians.”
 
Despite this, King Charles III will still appear on the country’s coins in a new set released later this year.
 
 
 
[via Associated Press News and The Independent, Photo 192046442 © Michael Leslie | Dreamstime.com]