Polymer Banknotes Launch [video]
When our current banknotes were first issued between 1992 and 1996, a series of television commercials was developed to introduce the new banknotes to the public. These commercials, presented by well-known scientific and public figures from the time, provide information about the design and security features of each denomination and the notable Australians they feature.
A transcript is also available.
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Transcript
Introducing the $5 polymer banknote
Narrated by Karina Kelly, Quantum
Let me introduce a masterpiece of Australian design and technology – Australia’s new $5 plastic note. One way to tell the note is genuine is this see-through area. Hold the note to the light and you can see Australia’s Coat of Arms, and these seven points form a perfect star. This leaflet explains the security safeguards the Reserve Bank has included to make our currency more secure.
Introducing the new $10 polymer banknote
Narrated by Leonard Teale (Actor)
There was movement at the station for the word had passed around that the colt from old regret had got away and had joined the wild bush horses …
You all know the words but it’s the first time you’ve seen them on a banknote. It’s no ordinary note however, it’s Australia’s new polymer $10 note and it was developed and printed right here. It uses microprinting, and other security features that make it much harder to counterfeit than paper notes. So when you get one, you’ll be holding one of the world’s most advanced and secure notes.
Introducing the new $20 polymer banknote
Narrated by Robyn Williams (ABC Science Show)
The security here is amazing, because this is where they’re printing Australia’s new $20 note. It all starts on this specially prepared sheet of polymer with the first high-security device already in place. Throughout the printing process, many other security devices are added, like microprinting in the portraits of Australian pioneer Mary Reibey and John Flynn, founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. So take a close look at our new $20 and see how Australian technology, using polymer, is making our currency the safest in the world.
Introducing the new $50 polymer banknote
Narrated by Ernie Dingo (Actor)
I’d like to introduce you to our new $50 polymer note. This is David Unaipon, inventor and our first published Aboriginal author. This is Edith Cowan, our first female parliamentarian. Now this note has unique, anti-counterfeiting features, like this clear window, developed here in Australia, to help make our currency safer for you.
Introducing the new $100 polymer banknote
Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s famous international opera star. Sir John Monash, a renowned leader in military and civilian life. Both are featured on our new $100 note, which completes the series of polymer notes. Notes that lead the world in the fight against counterfeiters. The new note has all the innovations, like the clear window, that make our currency the safest in the world.
