Australia is removing the British monarchy from its banknotes.
The nation’s central bank said Thursday that its new $5 bill would feature an indigenous design instead of an image of King Carlos III.
But the king is still expected to appear on the coins.
The $5 note was the only remaining Australian banknote to still feature an image of the monarch.
The bank said the decision followed a consultation with the government, which supported the change.
Opponents say the move is politically motivated.
The British monarch remains Australia’s head of state, although these days that role is largely symbolic.
Like many former British colonies, Australia is debating the extent to which it should retain its constitutional ties to Britain.
The Reserve Bank of Australia said the new $5 note would feature a design to replace a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, who died last year. The bank said the move would honor “the culture and history of early Australians”. “The other side of the $5 note will continue to show the Australian Parliament,” the bank said in a statement.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the change was an opportunity to strike a good balance.
“The monarch will still be on the coins, but the $5 note will say more about our history, our heritage and our country, and I see that as a good thing,” he told reporters in Melbourne.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton compared the move to changing the date of the national day, Australia Day.
“I know the silent majority don’t agree with a lot of the nonsense that goes on, but we need to listen to more of those people online,” he told 2GB Radio.
Dutton said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was central to the decision not to have the king appear in the note, urging him to “acknowledge it.” The bank plans to consult with indigenous groups on the design of the $5 note, a process it expects to take several years before the new note is made public.
The current USD 5 will continue to be issued until the new design is introduced and will remain legal tender even after the new note enters circulation.
The face of King Charles III is expected to be seen on Australian coins later this year.
An Australian dollar is worth about 71 cents in US currency.
