Some residents in Australia are calling for a change to the illustrations on their banknotes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, saying they do not want to see King Charles's image adorn them.
It comes shortly after the Australian National Bank announced that a portrait of King Charles III would replace Her Majesty on their five-dollar bills on Friday. His image will also soon be seen on coins. And the picture of the King will come with a further change — as he will face to the right, the opposite way to his late mother, in observance of a royal tradition that dates back to 1660.
However, many Australians are reported to be unhappy with the changes and are calling for a different image to feature on their coins and notes. Some shared on social media their interpretations of what they thought would be a better idea — including the suggestion that Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin should take pride of place.
One bawdy user wrote: "Alright *****, now old Betty has dropped off the perch, time for the important ****. Who we gonna put on all our money? Because I can't see that **** Charles on there. Maybe Steve Irwin, or Russell Coight?"
Coight is a character played in a 2001-2 TV series by comedian Glenn Robbins, about a calamitous wildlife expert who travels the country spreading misinformation and causing accidents. Another user stated: "Steve Irwin deserves our highest form of currency."
It's not the only time Australians have wanted Irwin on their money. Back in August 2016, a petition was created to put 'the all-time greatest Australian bloke' on their cash. However, it is something they need not to worry about for a while, as the design for the new notes and coins has not yet started.
New coins are expected to be released in 2023 and notes will be going into circulation sometime after. The Reserve Bank of Australia said: "All Australian banknotes issued from 1913 retain their legal tender status. We will plan for an update to the $5 banknote design in due course.
"Creating the design for new banknotes is a complex process. It can be several years [between] when a banknote is printed and when it is issued into circulation depending on demand from the public and the need to replace banknotes that have become worn in circulation."
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