1901–1920 | 1921–1945 | 1946–1970 | 1971–1990 | 1991–2001

TIMELINE: 1991–2001


What was happening to?

Australia's Currency Notes

A series of world-first polymer (plastic) currency notes is issued and exports of polymer notes grow.

Image showing the front of the polymer hundred dollar note featuring the portrait of Dame Nellie Melba

Australia's Economy and Society

Australia experiences relatively stable economic conditions and celebrates the centenary of its Federation and the dawn of a new century.

Photograph of the Sydney Harbour Bridge displaying the word 'Eternity' during New Year's Eve 1999 celebrations

1991

Inflation in Australia falls sharply to levels not seen since the 1960s.

1992

The first of a complete series of 'Polymer' currency notes - a $5 note - is issued.

Image showing the back of the five dollar polymer note featuring the old and new Parliament House

The internet gives rise to the World Wide Web.

1993

A $10 polymer note is issued.

Image showing the front of the ten dollar polymer note featuring the portrait of Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson

1994

A $20 polymer note is issued.

Image showing the front of the twenty dollar polymer note featuring the portrait of Mary Reibey

1995

A $50 polymer note is issued.

Image showing the front of the fifty dollar polymer note featuring the portrait of David Unaipon

A recoloured $5 polymer note is issued.

1996

A $100 polymer note is issued, completing the first series of polymer notes.

Image showing the back of the hundred dollar polymer note featuring the portrait of Sir John Monash

Australia's financial markets develop rapidly through the 1990s and the economy becomes more integrated with the world economy.

1997

The 'Asian Crisis' starts in Thailand, Korea and Indonesia before spreading to Russia and Latin America. Despite contraction in Australia's export markets, our economy proves resilient.

1999

New Zealand converts to polymer currency notes, printed by NPA.

Image showing a polymer note from New Zealand

NPA's export orders extend to 13 countries.

As part of its contingency planning for the 'Y2K' problem, the RBA stockpiles additional supplies of currency notes.

Australia, like other countries, prepares for the expected problems associated with computers' capacity to recognise the dates in the new century, the so-called Y2K problem. In the event, problems prove negligible.

2000

Sydney hosts the Olympic Games.

Photograph of Australian Cathy Freeman lighting the Cauldron at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

2001

A special Federation $5 polymer note is issued from 1 January 2001.

Image showing the front of the five dollar polymer note featuring the portrait of Sir Henry Parkes

Australia celebrates the Centenary of Federation.


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