“There is no question that this is government-directed and I think the prime minister should accept that,” he told local radio station 2GB.
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 notes will continue to be issued.
“This is a huge victory for the grassroots, First Nations people who are fighting to decolonise this country,” tweeted Lydia Thorpe, an opposition Green Party legislator of Indigenous descent.
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.
The $5 banknote is the only Australian banknote to feature the Queen. Australian coins must feature the image of the British monarch and the new coins will feature an effigy of King Charles.
King Charles is the head of state in Australia, New Zealand and 12 other Commonwealth territories outside the United Kingdom, although the role is largely ceremonial.