E-signature legality · Asia-Pacific
Is electronic signature legal in Australia?
Yes. A signature requirement is met electronically if the method identifies the person and their intention, is reliable, and the other party consents. Companies can also execute documents electronically under the Corporations Act.
The law
- Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth), section 10
- Equivalent Electronic Transactions Acts in every state and territory
- Corporations Act 2001, section 127 — electronic execution by companies (permanent since 2022)
What still needs wet ink, a notary or a qualified signature
- Wills and powers of attorney in most states
- Some deeds and documents that require witnessing, depending on the state
- Real property transfers, which go through the state electronic conveyancing system
Where Clinch fits
Clinch is built for everyday commercial agreements — freelance and agency contracts, statements of work, NDAs, quotes and service agreements — which in Australianeed no special form. Every signature is captured with the signer's explicit consent, and the signed PDF carries an audit trail (name, email, timestamp of every event, hashed IP) plus a SHA-256 fingerprint of the exact document, so anyone can check it was not changed after signing.
It is a simple electronic signature, not a qualified one: for the documents listed above, use the formality the law requires.
Draft and send a contractOther countries in Asia-Pacific
This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. For a document with high stakes or a formality requirement, check with a lawyer in Australia.
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