It has been a long-term debate as to who should appear on the nation’s currency, but the change of monarchs has opened the opportunity for a new face to appear. Dedicated fans are petitioning one specific Aussie legend be branded.
Vincent Wu and Kirby Miles posted a petition online to the Australian Parliament House website, advocating for Steve Irwin be featured on the $5 bill as opposed to King Charles III.
Fans want the Australian hero on the currency for a long time.
(Image: Getty)The petition noted that the conservationist and wildlife expert has made exceptional contributions to the country, which is necessary in order to be included on the banknote according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.
“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,” the petition read.
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“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.
It is unclear who will feature on the $5 bill.
(Image: Getty)“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.”
“We therefore ask the House to change the face of the $5 note to Steve Irwin.”
Vincent and Kirby’s wishes are not completely misguided after Assistant Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh previously said King Charles may not replace the late Queen on the $5 note. However he will be featured on new coins.
“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 Charles on the note] isn’t automatic,” he said.
This isn’t the first time a fan has advocated to have Steve Irwin on Australian currency. Six years ago a fan posted a petition to have the icon on the $100 bill and while it gained more than 31,000 signatures it wasn’t enough to sway the government’s mind.
The petition has currently collected 288 signatures and only continues to increase with each passing hour. It will remain open to the public until October 27 2022.
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