On Tuesday, the government of Australia said that the image of King Charles III will not immediately replace that of Queen Elizabeth II on A$5 notes, and that it was possible that it would be replaced by characters from Australian history instead.
Andrew Leigh, a federal assistant minister for the Treasury, stated on Tuesday that the decision to include the queen’s image on the Australian five dollar bill was about her personality rather than her status as the monarch, and that any changes would not be “automatic.” This is in contrast to the fact that it is required that coins bear the image of the British monarch.
When a reporter asked Leigh if the government would take into consideration replacing the British king with someone Australian, such as indigenous land rights leader Edward Mabo, he responded by saying that the topic will be discussed “down the track.”
“This is a discussion that is going to take place within the government. There is no need to be in a hurry about it. Changing over the coinage is the top priority at this time.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has rekindled discussions over the future of the constitutional monarchy that is Australia. In a referendum held in 1999, voters narrowly decided to keep the British queen as the country’s head of state.
“In my opinion, this is the kind of situation that calls for a modicum of respect. We will address these concerns in an appropriate manner, in an organized fashion, and in a manner that is respectful.
The Royal Australian Mint, which is the only manufacturer of coins in the nation, announced on Tuesday that it will not issue any circulating coins containing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth in the year 2023.
Since her coronation in 1953, around 15 billion coins have been coined with the likeness of Queen Elizabeth II. Each year, the mint produces between 110 million and 150 million pieces.
