Maverick federal MP Bob Katter wants to scrap the King’s image from the country’s coins in favour of significant Australians.
The Katter’s Australian Party leader has touted an alternative design for the national currency, suggesting it could feature a Kalkadoon warrior or distinguished Australian soldier Ralph Honner.
“Surely you’d put Kokoda hero Ralph Honner on your coin, not some British monarch, demonstrating that you don’t believe that all people are born free and equal and that you don’t believe you’re a separate country, that you’re a nationalistic Australian,” Katter said on Monday.
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The Queensland MP plans to move an amendment to the Crown References Amendment Bill to omit references to the monarchy and substitute the words “sovereign people of Australia”.
“For heaven’s sake, get rid of the affirmation that we believe that all people are free and equal,” Katter said.
“If you’ve got a monarch on your coin, you do not believe that all people are free and equal.”
The Royal Australian Mint last month unveiled the effigy of King Charles III, which will be seen on Australian coins by Christmas.
For decades, the country’s coins have carried an image of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022.
The first coin to bear the King’s effigy will be the one dollar, with other denominations to be rolled out progressively in 2024, based on demand from banks.
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