The death of Elizabeth II could change the face of Australian currencies in surprising ways. Two citizens, Vincent Wu and Kirby Miles, filed two petitions to demand that the famous “crocodile hunter”, Steve Irwin, be immortalized on the five dollar bills, rather than King Charles III, report several media.
The petitions, which have been tabled in the Australian parliament, have so far only garnered 273 signatures. Nevertheless, they have aroused a lot of interest among Internet users and Steve Irwin’s candidacy to replace the late queen on the $5 bills has caused a lot of reaction on social networks.
“No one is more central to Australian culture and identity than Steve Irwin,” argues Vincent Wu in his petition.
Ecologist and wildlife expert Steve Irwin became a global celebrity thanks to the broadcast of the show The Crocodile Hunter from 1997 to 2004.
Despite rather lukewarm support, Steve Irwin’s candidacy could be considered by the Australian government.
Australian Deputy Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh has explained that King Charles III will replace his late mother on the country’s coins, but that won’t necessarily be the case for $5 notes.
“The decision to put the Queen’s face on the $5 note stemmed more from Elizabeth II’s personality than her status,” he said, adding that the addition of Charles III in place of his mother was not automatic.