Australian Monarchist League hits back at Reserve Bank’s ‘politically motivated’ change to $5 note

A major change is coming to the face of an Australian currency and it’s caused a nationwide stir. Here’s why.

A once-in-a-lifetime change to the face of a popular Australian currency note has sparked an uproar, signalling the Australian Monarchist League to push back on the more than half a million-dollar investment.

The Reserve Bank announced it would remove the monarch from the $5 note, to honour Indigenous culture, with some labelling it an “attack on the crown”.

The move, which was approved by the Albanese Government, will see the late Queen Elizabeth II replaced on the $5 banknote by a design representing “the enduring, emotional, spiritual and physical connection of First Nations people to Country.”

The AML and its 20,000 supporters will formally submit a new design to the RBA which features King Charles III alongside Indigenous artwork.

Designed by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, the AMA claims the design is minimalistic in its changes and offers a similar colour palette to ensure ease of use and recognition.

The Australian Monarchist League will submit a new $5 note design to the RBA featuring His Majesty King Charles III alongside Indigenous artwork. Photo: Supplied

In a statement AML national chairman Philip Benwell took aim at the RBA’s decision to remove the monarch, labelling it as a “politically motivated and divisive act”.

“This new design proves that we can celebrate both the monarchy on our $5 note while also recognising Indigenous Australians. The decision by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the RBA to remove the monarch was nothing short of a political move to drive division,” Mr Benwell said.

“The Australian people voted overwhelmingly against a republic in 1999 and therefore our institutions and national symbols must reflect the vote Australian’s overwhelmingly made.

The redesign will keep Parliament House in Canberra on the opposite side. (Reserve Bank of Australia/Handout)

“We’ve done Jim Chalmers’ job for him. Delivering a five dollar note that honours both our Indigenous heritage and modern foundations in a fraction of the time and for virtually no cost.

“It’s time to respect and celebrate our entire history – not just the selective narratives pushed by Canberra bureaucrats.”

Queen Elizabeth II has featured on the $5 note since 1992.

The Royal Australian Mint has already confirmed King Charles III will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the nation’s coins.

Originally published as Australian Monarchist League hits back at Reserve Bank’s ‘politically motivated’ change to $5 note