Australia bans monarchs from banknotes - in favor of an indigenous design

Australia wants to get along without the British monarchy in the future - at least as far as the pictures on the country's banknotes are concerned. The central bank announced on Thursday that the new five-dollar banknote would replace an image of Britain's King Charles III. adorn an indigenous design. However, it was expected that the king would remain in circulation on coins.

The five-dollar bill was the last Australian banknote to bear the face of the monarch - until recently that of Queen Elizabeth II, who died last year. The central bank said it had consulted the government, which supports the change, before making the decision.

Opponents of the step criticize that it is politically motivated. The bank said it was meant to honor the culture and history of early Australians. The Australian Parliament should still be visible on the other side of the bill.

The bank wants to consult with representatives of the indigenous population for the future design of the banknote. Other notes and coins Down Under already feature famous Aboriginal figures and artwork. According to the central bank, however, it will still be a few years before the new notes come into circulation. Until then, the five-dollar bills with the Queen's face will continue to be printed. They will continue to be valid afterwards.

The British monarch is Australia's head of state, but this role is largely symbolic these days. In Australia, as in many former British colonies, the extent to which constitutional ties with Britain should be maintained is a matter of debate. The portrait of the monarch has been printed on banknotes since 1992. The death of the Queen in September last year had reignited the discussion about the monarchy in Australia.