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ARTICLE · 19 MAY 2021

COVID-19 changes to electronic legal processes now permanent in Victoria

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The reforms of electronic signing, virtual witnessing and remote hearings modernise the litigation process in Victoria.

AustraliaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Richard Leder
Richard Leder
Alexander Hender
Alexander Hender
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Recent changes to Victorian COVID-19 legislative concessions around electronic signing, virtual witnessing and remote hearings made under the Justice Legislation Amendment (System Enhancements and Other Matters) Act 2021 (Vic) (Act) are a welcomed modernisation of legislation likely to improve efficiency in the litigation process. 

The Act came into force on 26 April 2021 and makes permanent a range of temporary measures previously introduced by the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (Vic) and accompanying regulations. 

A suite of legislation is amended by the Act including the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000 (Vic) and the Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018 (Vic) which now permanently allow for the:  

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