‘Bit of respect’: Anthony Albanese fires up over future of $5 note

The Prime Minister was not too pleased to be answering questions about the $5 note at a press conference about Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

The Queen’s effigy on Australian coins isn’t going anywhere just yet. Picture: AFP Photo / Christopher Furlong /WPA Pool

Anthony Albanese will not consider a change to the $5 note for some time, suggesting a question on the future of currency was disrespectful.

Following the Queen’s death, the effigy of King Charles III will begin popping up on coins from next year.

But the future of the monarch on the $5 note, which has been marked with a portrait of the Queen, is not as clear.

The Queen is to stay on the $5 for some time to come.

Asked if it would be appropriate for a notable Australian to replace the Queen, the Prime Minister told journalists “a bit of respect” was required.

“I’m speaking about a funeral that will take place of Queen Elizabeth II next Monday and I’m being asked a question about her replacement on the $5 note,” he said.

“I think this is a time where a bit of respect is required. We will deal with these issues appropriately, in an orderly way, in a way that is respectful.

“I have not turned my attention towards that matter.”

Anthony Albanese hit back at reporters for asking about the note. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Earlier, Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh confirmed it wasn’t a given that King Charles would automatically replace his mother on the note.

“As I understand it, the decision to include the Queen’s face on the $5 note was about her personally rather than about the status of the monarch, so that transition isn’t automatic,” he told reporters.

“We’ll have a sensible conversation within government to make an appropriate announcement in due course.”

The Queen has been the only monarch to feature on Australia’s decimal currency, which was introduced in 1966.

Last week, the Reserve Bank confirmed there would be “no immediate change” to Australian banknotes.

The banknote and coins featuring the Queen will remain in circulation and continue to be legal tender.

Royal Australian Mint chief executive Leigh Gordon said production on new coins would begin as soon as it received King Charles’ effigy from his UK counterparts.

Originally published as ‘Bit of respect’: Anthony Albanese fires up over future of $5 note