Given the new design, the Australian $5 note is seeing a major design overhaul in 2025. It so happens that a great space is allotted to reflections that correlate to the nation-multifaceted as it is.
This new design rejects old buildings of the royal imagery and goes after the celebration of the diverse culture, natural landscapes, and Indigenous culture of Australia.
Design Subtleties and Symbolism
The new $5 note will feature detailing based on Indigenous designs, juxtaposed with Australia’s native flora and fauna. However, the colours remain somewhat akin to the old pink and purple palette, now interspersed with fine detailed drawings meant to represent history as well as contemporary values. Going further, the decision to drop the monarch’s portrait has been lauded by some as creating space for more national representation.
Design/Features for Security and Elitists
With the latest update, the Reserve Bank of Australia has included enhanced security features designed to deter counterfeiting: these include transparent windows, tactile printing, and colour-shifting elements.
The new design also improves accessibility by increasing the size of the numerals and adding tactile features to assist visually impaired users in distinguishing the denomination.
Release Date, Phasing Out of Older Design and Public Reaction
New $5 notes will start to be issued from September 2025. Older ones will continue to be legal tender but will be withdrawn gradually as banks and ATMs upgrade their stock.
The earliest reaction from the public has been somewhat mixed, with cultural leaders and young Australians giving strong support, while a few lagging behind nostalgically for the old design.