(16 May 2011 – Australia) Australia has modernised its laws around online electronic transactions this month.The new e-commerce laws would be in line with United Nations conventions, under legislation passed by the Senate.
Liberal frontbencher George Brandis welcomed the changes.
“The principle effect of the act is to provide that transactions will not be invalid merely because they have been completed electronically,” he told parliament on Tuesday.
Senator Brandis said giving information in writing, providing a handwritten signature, producing a document in material form and recording and retaining information may all be done electronically as a result of the bill’s passage.
The Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill 2011 now awaits royal assent.