New theme for $5 banknote
The Reserve Bank of Australia has revealed a new theme for the $5 banknote, and it will not feature a British monarch.
The updated banknote will honour the “enduring emotional, spiritual, and physical connection” of First Nations peoples to Country.
RBA Assistant Governor (Business Services) Michelle McPhee said the theme encompasses the deep connection First Nations peoples have to the land, the waters and the sky.
“The selection of a theme follows an Australia-wide campaign, which led to more than 2,100 theme nominations from the public,” she said.
The theme will guide a new design and incorporate artwork from a First Nations artist.
The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, who has been on the note since 1992, will be removed and not replaced with King Charles.
The reverse side of the banknote will continue to feature the Australian Parliament.
Parliament House will still feature on the back of the banknote. Image: RBA
The RBA said an important context for the Indigenous connection was the overturning of the concept of terra nullius – a Latin term meaning “land belonging to no one”.
“This action recognised the existence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s relationship to Country for thousands of years.
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“The artist is invited to reflect how this decision has shaped a positive future for First Nations peoples.”
Also key to the theme was First Nations communities’ contribution to the restoration and conservation of our environment.
“There is an opportunity for all Australians to learn from Australia’s original stewards on how to nurture and protect our fragile world.”
