RBA
For over 30 years, the face of Queen Elizabeth II has graced the Australian five-dollar banknote. However, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has chosen to honour First Nations peoples instead of a portrait of the new monarch, King Charles III.
Once the change is made, there will be no monarchs on any Australian banknote. That being said, King Charles‘ portrait is on coins.
In March 2025, the RBA released a callout for submissions for the new design. It intends for this new design to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Connection to Country. This indicates that it may not depict a person at all. Instead, it may focus on an abstract design that celebrates natural elements.
The RBA’s Assistant Governor (Business Services), Michelle McPhee, emphasised the importance of the intention, stating, “The theme encompasses 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.”
The successful submission will appear on the front of the Australian five-dollar note. However, it will continue to feature the Australian Parliament on its reverse side. Therefore, it will maintain a link to the nation’s democratic institutions.
This theme emerged from a nationwide consultation, with over 2100 public submissions helping to shape the final direction.
The RBA has worked closely with First Nations organisations throughout this process. Thus, ensuring the design will be authentic, respectful, and representative of the diverse cultures across the continent and the Torres Strait.
This won’t be the first time that Indigenous culture is celebrated in our nation’s currency. In 1995, the RBA launched a redesigned 50-dollar banknote which features David Unaipon. David was an author, inventor, and explorer from the Ngarrindgerri nation in South Australia.
Submissions for the redesign must be sent before the end of April.
