Are electronic signatures valid for Australian employment contracts and HR?

Electronic signatures are permissible for most HR documents, including offer letters, non-disclosure agreements, and performance reviews, in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth). These documents fall under general contract law, where electronic methods are accepted if they meet reliability standards for identification and intent. However, always verify specific document types do not require physical signatures under other regulations.

For validity, electronic signatures must comply with the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth), ensuring they identify the signatory, indicate approval, and are reliable in the circumstances. Employers should use secure platforms that record audit trails, timestamps, and IP details. Additionally, adherence to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) is essential to protect personal information in HR workflows.