Australia to remove Queen Elizabeth's image on $5 note

ANKARA (AA) – The Australian central bank on Thursday announced that the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II would be removed from the 5-dollar currency note after her death last year.

The Reserve Bank of Australia stated in a statement that the decision was made after consultation with the government, which supported the change.

"The Reserve Bank has decided to update the $5 banknote to feature a new design that honors the culture and history of the First Australians. This new design will replace the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The other side of the $5 banknote will continue to feature the Australian Parliament," the bank said in the statement posted on its website.

Australia said last year that King Charles III's image would not automatically replace Queen Elizabeth on its $5 currency notes despite being the ceremonial head of state.

The bank also clarified that the current banknote will be issued indefinitely and will be usable even after the new banknote is issued.

"The Bank will consult with First Australians in designing the $5 banknote. The new banknote will take a number of years to be designed and printed," it stated.

The latest decision is another move by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government following his announcement last year to hold a referendum on constitutional changes and to recognize Indigenous people in the constitution.

* Writing by Islamuddin Sajid