Sunita Somvanshi
After three decades of featuring Queen Elizabeth II, Australia’s $5 note is getting a complete redesign that will celebrate First Nations peoples’ connection to country instead of continuing the tradition of featuring the British monarch.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced the new theme was selected from over 2,100 public submissions, following extensive consultation with First Nations organizations across the country.
“Connection to Country” Theme
The new design, titled “Connection to Country,” will highlight the “enduring emotional, spiritual and physical connection” of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land, waters, and sky—relationships that date back thousands of years.
RBA Assistant Governor Michelle McPhee described the theme as “inspiring” and emphasized it would guide the creation of artwork that celebrates this deep connection.
“The tone for the banknote is of a hopeful future, where First Nation peoples’ connection to country is celebrated and respected,” the RBA stated.
The redesign marks a significant shift as it will be the first Australian banknote not to feature a portrait of a person. Parliament House will remain on the reverse side of the note.
Terra Nullius Context
The RBA specifically noted that submissions should consider the overturning of terra nullius—the legal doctrine that treated Australia as unoccupied before European settlement—as an important historical context for the design.
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Terra nullius was overturned by Australia’s High Court in the landmark Mabo decision of 1992, which established native title and recognized Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ relationship to Country that has existed for millennia.
The RBA indicated that artists should “reflect how this decision has shaped a positive future for First Nations peoples” and explore environmental protection themes, acknowledging Indigenous Australians‘ tens of thousands of years of sustainable land management.
Mixed Reactions
The decision to replace the monarchy with Indigenous themes has generated both support and criticism.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton previously described the move as “another attack on our systems, on our society and on our institutions” when it was first announced in 2023.
In contrast, Professor Tony Dreis, Pro Vice-Chancellor of First Nations engagement at Charles Darwin University, welcomed the change: “Acknowledgement of our people’s deep and uninterrupted attachment to Country should be everywhere… Tens of thousands of years of connection to Country is worth far more than dollars alone.”
Historical Context of Indigenous Representation
The $1 banknote from 1966 marked the first Aboriginal copyright dispute when the RBA reproduced Arnhem Land artist David Malangi’s work without permission. He was later compensated with $1,000, a medallion, and a fishing kit.
The current $50 note features David Unaipon, a Ngarrindjeri man from South Australia recognized for his contributions as an author, inventor, activist, and musician.
The RBA emphasized that the new design should “avoid being tokenistic or stereotypical” in its representation of First Nations culture.
Timeline
The full process of designing, finalizing, and circulating the new $5 note is expected to take several years. The RBA is currently accepting submissions from artists, with entries closing in April.
When completed, the redesigned note will replace the current $5 note that has featured Queen Elizabeth II since 1992.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Australia removing the Queen/King from the $5 note? ➕
The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to redesign the $5 note to honor First Nations peoples’ connection to country instead of continuing to feature the British monarch. This decision followed over 2,100 public submissions and consultations with First Nations organizations, reflecting a shift in Australia’s cultural recognition of its Indigenous heritage.
What will the new $5 note look like? ➕
The final design is still being developed, but the theme will be “Connection to Country,” celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ relationship with the land, waters, and sky. It will not feature a portrait of any person (a first for Australian banknotes), and Parliament House will remain on the reverse side.
When will the new $5 note enter circulation? ➕
According to the RBA, the full process of designing, finalizing, and circulating the new $5 note is expected to take several years. The bank is currently accepting artist submissions, with the deadline in April.
Is this the first time Indigenous Australian culture has been featured on currency? ➕
No, Australian currency has featured Indigenous elements since the 19th century. The current $50 note features David Unaipon, a Ngarrindjeri man and notable inventor, author, and activist. The $1 banknote from 1966 also featured Aboriginal artwork, though this led to a copyright dispute with artist David Malangi.
What is the significance of terra nullius in the new design? ➕
The RBA has specifically asked artists to consider the overturning of terra nullius (the legal doctrine that Australia was unoccupied before European settlement) in their designs. The 1992 Mabo decision recognized Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuous relationship with the land over thousands of years, making it a historically significant context for the new banknote design.
Has there been any opposition to the redesign? ➕
Yes, when first announced in 2023, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized the move as “another attack on our systems, on our society and on our institutions.” However, many others, including Indigenous leaders and academics, have welcomed the change as a positive step toward recognizing Australia’s First Nations heritage.
