The unique feature of Australian $50 banknote

People who are blind or have low vision were among the first people in Australia to see and feel the new $50 banknote now.

Vision Australia and the Reserve Bank of Australia revealed the soon to be released $50 banknote including the tactile feature designed so people who are blind or have low vision can differentiate between the values of their notes.

The note has four raised bumps on each long edge and follows the launch of the $5 and $10 banknotes in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Vision Australia had been campaigning for tactile features on banknotes for a number of years, along with a petition from NSW client Connor McLeod (17).

Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton said the tactile feature will assist over 350,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision to use banknotes with the same level of confidence as the rest of the community. 

“Even though cash is being used less frequently in transactions, there are still many purchasing situations where people want to use cash. The tactile feature allows people who are blind or have low vision to pay with and receive cash without the assistance of others or a device,” Mr. Hooton said.

“Vision Australia commends the Reserve Bank of Australia on this inclusive outcome.”

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