While supporters say the change will honour the country's culture and history, opponents say the move is politically motivated.
Australia's Reserve Bank saidThe British monarch remains Australia's head of state, although these days that role is largely symbolic.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the change was an opportunity to strike a good balance. He added:"The monarch will still be on the coins, but the $5 note will say more about our history and our heritage and our country, and I see that as a good thing.
"I know the silent majority don't agree with a lot of the woke nonsense that goes on but we've got to hear more from those people online," he told Sydney radio station 2GB Radio. Queen Elizabeth's portrait has featured on the $5 note since 1992, and is drawn from photographs commissioned by the Reserve Bank in 1984.
Like many former British colonies, Australia is debating to what extent it should retain its constitutional ties to Britain.
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