The Commonwealth Electronic Transactions Act has been in place since 1999. Its objective was to make the law relating to contracts technologically neutral.

The Electronic Transactions Amendment Act 2011 received Royal Assent on 25 May 2011 and addresses important practical issues to reflect internationally recognised legal standards on e-commerce and to enable Australia to accede to the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts 2005. The amendments take effect from 24 June 2011.

Partner David Jacobson and Lawyer Claire Endean look at the law relating to online contracts following the passing of the Amendment Act. Download PDF article.

UPDATE: Download a consolidated Act from ComLaw.