First Nations Peoples and Australian Banknotes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are respectfully advised that this resource includes the names and images of people who are now deceased.

Imagery relating to Australia’s First Nations has appeared in a number of banknote series, each occurrence reflecting its respective era. This resource documents the imagery within the context of the series and marks the transition from the depiction of First Nations peoples and culture as generic types, framed within an alien context, towards awareness of their independent identities and histories.

Colony

The first appearances of First Nations peoples and their culture in the 1920s and 1950s denoted the period’s allegiance to the idea of the British Empire, rather than to an understanding of the original custodians of the country and their views of its history.

Towards Change

With the introduction of decimal currency in 1966, the imagery of First Nations culture became more prominent and less dependent on colonial influence. The Bank’s first polymer banknote, issued in 1988, displayed examples of ancient and contemporary Aboriginal art, echoing the increased appreciation of its significance, both nationally and internationally.

Innovation

The success of polymer technology saw the issuance of a new series of banknotes in the 1990s, and the portrayal on the $50 banknote (1995) of the first identified First Nations individual, David Unaipon. His portraiture continued with the new banknote of 2018, supported by enhanced representation of his Ngarrindjeri nation.