The South Australian Government is introducing new laws designed to make it easier for people working in the state’s justice system to send documents electronically.
The laws were passed through state parliament this week and the government says they will help cut red tape within courts by ensuring a clear framework surrounding the electronic transfer of documents.
The laws also relax the consent requirements for the electronic transmission of documents, making it easier for authorities to send documents electronically.
Previously, authorities needed consent from the intended recipient to send material electronically.
{loadposition peter}The changes to the Act relax those conditions, so that consent is implied if it can be ascertained that the recipient has Internet access and the ability to download and print a document, in certain criminal and related proceedings.
The current Electronic Transactions Act 2000 already allows for the use of electronic communications as a preferred method of sending material.
And, the new amendments to the Act clarify the circumstances under which electronic communications can be used, ensuring it’s clear that the Act applies to both civil and criminal matters.
“These changes will help give greater scope for authorities to send documents electronically, by relaxing the consent requirements for some criminal and related proceedings,” says South Australian attorney-general John Rau.