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Or how we will now have certainty in electronic transactions both here and abroad 

Over recent times all of the jurisdictions in Australia with the exception of Queensland ( which is dragging the chain) have made amendments to their electronic transactions acts ( ETAs)

This is partly in anticipation of Australia becoming a signatory to the 2005 United Nations convention in the use of electronic communications in international contracts ( the Convention)

Currently all states have enacted their ETAs based largely on the United Nations model law 

Under the amending legislation the states and commonwealth have brought their ETAs in line with international law 

The Convention will apply internationally to commercial contracts but not to dealings of a personal family or domestic nature whereas the Australian laws apply to all contracts 

There are 10 key points that you need to know about how the amended ETAs may impact on you and your business 

The first 5 are : 

1 validity of electronic transactions 

Under the law a transaction will not be invalid merely because it took place using electronic communications including by email text web chat and VOIP subject to the usual rules about the validity of a contract although parties to a deal can decide to modify this rule 

2 written communications 

Under the law if something has to be given in writing then such information can be given electronically if it will be accessible in future and the other party consents to receipt by such means 

3 signing electronically 

If a document requires a signature then it may. E given electronically provided it is sufficient to identify the person , there is an express intention in respect to the information and the other party gives consent 

4 producing documents 

A person can now produce documents in electronic form provided that the documents will be accessible in the future and the other person gives consent 

5 what is consent ?

This is a difficult issue but essentially the parties are going to be required to seek the consent of both prior to undertaking the use of the electronic communication although consent can be inferred through conduct if not expressly given

If Australia becomes a signatory to the convention then all states and the commonwealth will be well prepared and business people will be able to have certainty as to electronic dealings both here and abroad 

More about the other 5 key points next time 

If you want assistance in preparing for the new regime particularly if you have international contracts then contact 

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