Timeline: 1946–1970
Australia enters a prosperous period characterised by low unemployment, low inflation, and solid economic growth. The Reserve Bank of Australia is established in 1960 as the nation's central bank (see our history). Distinctive decimal currency notes are issued, featuring for the first time a woman other than the monarch.
1947
Australia joins the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
1948
Australia's manufacturing sector reaches nearly 30 per cent of GDP and our first mass-produced car is released by General Motors - Holden.
1949
The Privy Council upholds a High Court decision that nationalisation of banks is unconstitutional.
1950
The Korean War begins, lasting until 1953.
1951
The Commonwealth Bank Act of 1951 re-establishes the Commonwealth Bank Board with 10 members.
The ANZUS Treaty is signed with the United States.
1953
The 1953/54 series of currency notes is issued. It features portraits of key people in Australian history rather than the Monarchy or the economy.
1956
Television begins in Australia.
Melbourne hosts the Olympic Games.
1959
Australia's population reaches 10 million.
1960
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is established as a stand-alone central bank, with responsibility for the note issue.
1961
Large deposits of iron ore are opened up in the Pilbara, Western Australia, sparking a mineral boom.
1963
The Government announces that decimal currency will be introduced.
1965
The RBA moves into its new Head Office building at 65 Martin Place, Sydney.
Australia enters the Vietnam war.
1966
Australia converts from pounds, shillings and pence to decimal currency.
The first series of decimal notes is issued. The new notes capture the emerging diversity of Australian society including its literature.
Japan replaces the UK as Australia's major export market.
1970
Australia celebrates 200 years since Captain Cook's landing at Botany Bay.
