Bob Katter wants to change Australian coins: ‘Get rid of King Charles’
Federal MP Bob Katter wants the king’s image removed from the country’s coins in favor of important Australians.
Australia’s Katter party leader on Monday touted an alternative design for the national coin, suggesting it could feature a Kalkadoon warrior or leading Australian soldier Ralph Honner.
“Surely you would put Kokoda hero Ralph Honner on your coin, not some British monarch,” Katter said.
He said having King Charles on Australian coins would show “that you do not believe that all people are born free and equal and that you do not believe that you are a separate country, that you are a nationalist Australian.”
Queensland’s MP unveiled a proposed new design for Australia’s coins.
Federal MP Bob Katter (pictured) wants the king’s image removed from the country’s coins in favor of important Australians
He plans to introduce an amendment to the Crown References Amendment Bill to remove references to the monarchy and replace the words ‘sovereign people of Australia’.
“For God’s sake, delete the statement that we believe all men are free and equal,” Katter said.
“If you have a monarch on your coin, you don’t believe that all people are free and equal.”
The Royal Australian Mint last month unveiled the image of King Charles III, which will appear on Australian coins by Christmas.
Coins in Australia will feature an image of King Charles III by Christmas.
The country’s coins currently feature an image of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022.
The first coin bearing the king’s image will be the dollar, while other denominations will be gradually rolled out in 2024, based on bank demand.
King Charles III is depicted sitting in the St. Edward’s Chair, also known as the Coronation Chair