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ARTICLE · 26 MAY 2020

Electronic execution of documents changes in Victoria

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New regulations for the execution and witnessing of documents via audio visual links have been passed in Victoria.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Scott Schlink
Scott Schlink
Nick Hornstein
Nick Hornstein
Stephen Natoli
Stephen Natoli
Luke Hooper
Luke Hooper
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In an effort to cure a number of logistical issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, new Victorian Regulations for the execution and witnessing of documents were passed on 12 May 2020.

The COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Electronic Signing and Witnessing) Regulations 2020 are made under the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 and largely follow similar legislative reforms in other jurisdictions to allow for electronic signatures and witnessing documents via audio visual links. These legislative reforms largely mirror one another (with slight variations, particularly in South Australia and Tasmania).

The objective of the Regulations is to modify the application of certain acts (in particular, the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000, Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018, Powers of Attorney Act 2014 and Wills Act 1997) to further provide for the use of electronic signatures, witnessing of documents by audio visual links and related matters.

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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