Governor-general's office not told of $5 note change

The office of the governor-general learnt of a decision to scrap the late Queen's image from Australia's $5 note when the Reserve Bank published a press release.

Paul Singer, the governor-general's official secretary, told a Senate estimates hearing on Monday there had been no consultation with his office.

"The first I became aware of the decision was the media release from the Reserve Bank," he said.

Mr Singer wrote to his counterpart at Buckingham Palace the same day with a copy of the media release, to alert the monarchy before news of the decision spread.

When asked about the governor-general's reaction, Mr Singer would not be drawn, but said that David Hurley "probably shared my surprise" that they learned of the decision by a media release.

Liberal senator Dean Smith asked Mr Singer if he would describe the lack of consultation as "a gross lack of courtesy".

Mr Singer said it wasn't his place to comment.

King Charles III won't feature on the note, with the central bank to replace the monarch with a new design which "honours the culture and history of the first Australians".

The current $5 note will continue to be issued until the new design is introduced and will remain legal tender thereafter.

The face of King Charles III is expected to feature on Australian coins later in 2023.