Digital signature mandate takes effect in NSW

All NSW agencies now have to adopt electronic signatures for supplier contracts.

The electronic signature mandate, which applies to all businesses that supply to the government, came into effect on July 1.

Victor Dominello

Digital government minister Victor Dominello says the new requirement will make it easier and more affordable for suppliers to do business with the NSW government, and is expected to deliver savings of $36 per agreement.

More than 4000 contracts worth around $150,000 a year are expected to benefit form the new system, Mr Dominello says.

“The old process to collect wet-ink signatures can be complicated and time-consuming as users need to print forms and recruit witnesses,” he said.

“Using electronic signatures saves time and reduces operational costs as they are collected online in just minutes, they eliminate the need for paper and printing and are also more secure as only intended recipients can access the documents.

An electronic signature capability has been approved for the buy.nsw procurement platform, with a feature for automatically disclosing digitally signed contracts and the registration of government suppliers on the supplier hub.

NSW government agencies are presently required to disclose all contracts worth $150,000 or greater on eTenders within 45 days of signing.

“The electronic signature capability will increase speed and efficiency by providing the option to automatically disclose the digitally signed contracts,” Dominello said.

“These measures will eliminate manual processes and reduce the reporting workload, improving compliance with contract reporting.”

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One thought on “Digital signature mandate takes effect in NSW

  1. NSW pushing ahead with another solution to reduce staff.
    NSW has a great record with Cyber security and it can only get Better
    So, we will wait for 12 months for NSWAO to release the findings of this next misadventure I expect.

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