ARTICLE · 15 MAY 2020

Sign here… or insert signature here: Temporary changes for electronic execution of documents

McCullough Robertson

Explore more from McCullough Robertson

This COVID-19 determination allows companies to hold meetings online and to execute certain documents electronically.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Author LinkedIn connections

Temporary changes for electronic execution of documents, and further updates for virtual and hybrid meetings

The high level

What has changed? Documents can temporarily be signed under the Corporations Act electronically.

Who does it apply to? Companies only.

When does it apply? Now, until 5 November 2020.

The detail

On Tuesday, 5 May 2020, the Federal Treasurer issued an important determination which changes the way companies can hold meetings and execute documents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Corporations (Coronavirus Economic Response) Determination (No. 1) 2020 (Determination) modifies requirements for physical attendance at meetings and amends section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) by allowing companies to execute documents electronically (that is, by applying the relevant officeholders' electronic signatures to the document) in particular circumstances.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Related Articles

Entering The Australian Market: M&A Considerations For Singapore And Other Southeast Asian Investors (Part 2)

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Holding Redlich

Interest On Unpaid Debts In Queensland

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Stonegate Legal

Do More With Less (Part 2): How In-House Teams Can Manage ‘Peripheral’ Legal Activities

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

The Undervalue Trap: Why Disclosure, Not Valuation, Is The Real Test For Target Boards

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

What Australian FinTechs Can Learn From The Rise Of Product Counsel

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Technology M&A

Comparative Guide

Private Client

Comparative Guide

Shareholder Activism

Comparative Guide

Enforcement of Civil and Commercial Judgments

See more popular content from

Corporate/Commercial Law

Misrepresentation In Commercial Contracts Under Australian Law

Misrepresentation in commercial contracts can expose businesses to significant legal and financial consequences, particularly where inaccurate statements, misleading disclosures, or unrealistic forecasts induce entry into a transaction. Under Australian law, parties may pursue remedies through both common law misrepresentation claims and statutory misleading or deceptive conduct provisions under the Australian Consumer Law, with potential outcomes including rescission, damages, and compensation orders.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Stonegate Legal

Force Majeure Clause Risks In Australia Explained

Force majeure clauses in Australian contracts determine whether extraordinary events can suspend, delay, or excuse contractual obligations, but relief depends entirely on precise wording and strict compliance with notice and mitigation requirements. Understanding when businesses can legally invoke force majeure versus when they risk breach of contract claims is critical for managing commercial disruption.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Stonegate Legal

What is consideration in a contract?

Consideration is a legal term used to refer to the benefit that parties to a legal agreement or a contract receive.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Frustration Of Contract Explained: Can You Legally Walk Away?

Frustration of contract is widely misunderstood in Australian law, with many assuming contracts automatically end when circumstances become difficult or expensive. This guide examines the strict legal test applied by Australian courts, explaining when supervening events truly discharge contractual obligations and why financial hardship, increased costs, and commercial difficulties typically fall short of the frustration threshold.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Stonegate Legal

Federal Court Imposes $10.3 Million Penalty On Mercer Superannuation For Systemic Breach Reporting Failures

On 26 June 2026, the Federal Court of Australia delivered judgment in Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited [2026] FCA 832, ordering Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited (MSAL) to pay $10.3 million in penalties and $1.2 million in costs.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Gilchrist Connell

Suburbs In Sydney With The Highest And Lowest Crime Rates

This article explores the suburbs in Sydney with the highest and lowest crime rates.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors

Dividend Payments - Key Issues For Australian Company Directors

Dividends are a common way for companies to distribute value to shareholders, but whether to declare or pay a dividend is not simply a commercial decision. Directors must ensure that any dividend complies with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), the company’s constitution and relevant governance requirements, while considering their duties to the company and its creditors.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Bartier Perry Solicitors

What Is The Liability Under A Contractor Agreement In Australia?

A contractor agreement determines who pays when work goes wrong. Independent contractors carry their own commercial risk, unlike employees, so the agreement allocates that risk in detail. Liability commonly arises from breach of contract, intellectual property infringement, and breaches of confidentiality. Indemnities, liability caps and insurance requirements are the three tools that allocate it. Australian law puts limits on that allocation. Consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law apply automatically, and no contract can exclude them.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

ASIC appeal upheld - Fortescue Metals Group and Andrew Forrest misled investors

On 18 February 2011 the Full Federal Court unanimously overturned the 2009 Federal Court ruling which cleared Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) and its Chairman and CEO Mr Andrew Forrest of misleading and deceptive conduct.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Swaab Attorneys

Australia’s Public M&A Market Proves Its Resilience In FY26: HSF Kramer Report

Australia’s public M&A market proved its ability to adapt to uneasy market conditions in FY26, seeing $42.1 billion in deal activity across 57 transactions, according to a new report from leading global law firm...

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP