For the first time since the $5 note was introduced, it is looking like it might be getting a facelift and an official petition has been lodged with the Australian Government to have Queen Elizabeth II replaced with non-other than Aussie icon Steve Irwin.
I’ve drafted some mock-ups for your approval pic.twitter.com/rMB0eIUKcY
— Regina George Michael (@charlesrockhill) September 8, 2022
At the time of writing, the petition has reached 275 signatures and the reasoning supporting the petition is “The Reserve Bank of Australia writes that the ‘Banknotes offer an opportunity to honour Australians who have made important contributions to the nation.’ There is no one more vital to the Australian culture and identity than Steve Irwin. Steve is beloved by all and has become synonymous with the Australian values we hold so dearly.”
It goes on to say that “He epitomised the spirit of mateship; he deeply loved the Australian Wildlife, working hard towards conservation and education but perhaps most importantly he’s just a good bloke.”
The creator/s of the petition also say that “This should not be seen as a step away from the crown, but as a step towards honouring a beloved Aussie hero. There is so much more that could be said about Steve but it comes down to this: we ought to honour a true Aussie hero.”
There are serious hopes that this may become a reality after Assistant Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh stated that King Charles III might not replace his late mother on the note like he will on our coins.
Mr Leigh told reporters in Canberra, following the Queen’s passing that the King will be seen on Australia’s coins “as a matter of tradition”. However this may not be the case for our beloved purpley pink note.
“The decision to include the Queen’s face on the $5 note was about her personally rather than about her status as the monarch so that transition (to King Charles III) isn’t automatic,” Mr Leigh said.
This means that the door is wide open for suggestions on who should now appear on the $5 note.
This might be a good choice for Australia’s new $5 dollar note pic.twitter.com/4YvyEZFcwS
— alvaro salvo (@urukanguro) September 17, 2022
Fixed it. Created a 5 dollar note that everyone can agree on. #5dollarnote #australia #vegemite pic.twitter.com/CNYlTFfLXF
— Liz Broekhuyse, creative badass (@Theysaurus) April 12, 2016
Fred Hollows should be on the new Australian $5 dollar note not the Queen #auspol pic.twitter.com/3JFxdulmc8
— michael halliday777 (@michaelhallida4) April 12, 2016
If you wish to sign the official Government petition for Steve Irwin to feature on our $5 note you can find it here;
https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN4471
