Electronic Transactions Act 2011

If, under a law of this jurisdiction, the signature of a person is required, that requirement is taken to have been met in relation to an electronic communication if —

a method is used to identify the person and to indicate the person’s intention in respect of the information communicated; and

the method used was either —

as reliable as appropriate for the purpose for which the electronic communication was generated or communicated, in the light of all the circumstances, including any relevant agreement; or

proven in fact to have fulfilled the functions described in paragraph (a), by itself or together with further evidence;

the person to whom the signature is required to be given consents to that requirement being met by the use of the method mentioned in paragraph (a).

This section does not affect the operation of any other law of this jurisdiction that makes provision for or in relation to requiring —

an electronic communication to contain an electronic signature (however described); or

an electronic communication to contain a unique identification in an electronic form; or

a particular method to be used in relation to an electronic communication to identify the originator of the communication and to indicate the originator’s intention in respect of the information communicated.

The reference in subsection (1) to a law that requires a signature includes a reference to a law that provides consequences for the absence of a signature.