King Charles III won’t appear on new Australian bank notes

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – King Charles III. will not appear on Australia’s new $5 note, the country’s central bank announced on Thursday, signaling an exit from the British monarchy from Australian banknotes, although it is expected to continue to appear on coins.

A new Indigenous design will replace the previous portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Reserve Bank of Australia has said, a move that honors “the culture and history of early Australians”.

“The other side of the $5 bill will continue to feature the Australian Parliament,” the bank said in a statement.

The $5 note is Australia’s only banknote to feature the monarch.

It said the decision followed consultation with the government, which supported the change.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers commented on the decision, saying the change was an “opportunity to strike a good balance”.

“The monarch will still be on the coins, but the $5 bill will say more about our history and heritage and our country and I see that as a good thing,” he told reporters in Melbourne.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton likened the move to changing the date of the national holiday, Australia Day.

“I know the silent majority disagrees with a lot of waking nonsense, but we need to hear more from these people online,” he told 2GB radio.

Dutton said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was central to the King’s decision not to appear on the note and urged him to “commit to doing so”.

The bank plans to consult with indigenous groups on the design of the $5 bill and expects years before it goes public.

The current $5 will continue to be spent until the new design is launched and will remain legal tender.

The face of King Charles III. expected to appear on Australian coins later this year.