Australia: Australia will remove the picture of Queen Elizabeth on its banknote, know the whole matter
[ad_1]
Australia: Australia will replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on its $5 currency note with a new design to reflect and honor the history of its indigenous culture, Australia’s central bank said on Thursday. The Reserve Bank of Australia said in a statement that the decision was taken after consultation with the Federal Government, which supports the change. The picture of the Australian Parliament will remain on the other side of the note.
‘Debate resumes in Australia’
The death of Queen Elizabeth last year has reignited debate in Australia about its future as a constitutional monarchy. In a 1999 referendum, voters narrowly opted to retain the British monarch as head of state. King Charles III, who became British monarch after his mother’s death, is the head of state in Australia, New Zealand and 12 other Commonwealth territories outside the United Kingdom, although the role is largely ceremonial.
‘Will not replace Queen Elizabeth on $5 notes’
In September 2022, Australia said that the image of King Charles would not automatically replace Queen Elizabeth on $5 notes and could be replaced by Australian figures. Officials have said that the decision to include the Queen’s image on the $5 dollar note was about her personality, as opposed to her position as monarch. The Reserve Bank said it would consult with indigenous groups in designing the $5 banknote. It will take several years to design and print the new banknote. Till then the existing note will continue to be issued.
National anthem officially amended in 2021
The decision to update the note comes as Australia’s centre-left Labor government is pushing for a referendum, to change the constitution, to recognize Indigenous peoples in the document and give them a say on decisions affecting their lives. Consultation is required. In 2021, Australia officially amended its national anthem to remove references to the country being “young and free”, to recognize that its indigenous people are the world’s oldest civilization.
[ad_2]
Source link
