Legal status for electronic transactions

2/5/03
Western Australia comes into line with all other States from today when new laws take effect giving electronic transactions the same legal status as those recorded on paper.
Attorney General Jim McGinty said the reform would benefit individuals, businesses and State and local government agencies by providing them with the full protection of the law for electronic transactions.
"Quite simply, electronic communications will now have equal validity to old-style written contracts," Mr McGinty said.
The Electronic Transactions Act enables contractual dealings, such as offers, acceptances and invitations, to be conducted electronically, and also allows people to use an electronic signature to satisfy any legal requirement to provide a signature.
"Even the electronic transfer of land is covered," the Attorney General said.
"Importantly, the Act is similar in all material respects to those operating both in other States and at the Federal level, so people can be confident that electronic transactions carry the same legal weight nationwide."
Mr McGinty said Australia was third in the world behind only the United States and Sweden in the adaptation and use of technology and those involved were reaping the benefits of increased efficiencies and access to new markets.
"This is why it is crucial that we ensure the legal infrastructure around cyberspace is beyond doubt," he said.
Minister's office: 9220 5000