Letter of Authorisation (Australia)
Formal Written Authority for Agent or Representative to Act
Date: [Authorisation Date]
PRINCIPAL:
[Principal Name] (ABN [Principal ABN]), of [Principal Address], [Principal Suburb], [Principal State] [Principal Postcode] ("the Principal").
AUTHORISED AGENT / REPRESENTATIVE:
[Agent Name] (ABN [Agent ABN]), of [Agent Address], [Agent Suburb], [Agent State] [Agent Postcode] ("the Agent").
1. AUTHORISATION
The Principal hereby authorises the Agent to act as the Principal's authorised representative for the following purpose:
[Authorisation Purpose]
The Agent is specifically authorised to carry out the following actions on behalf of the Principal:
[Authorised Actions]
The Principal confirms that any act, document, decision, or communication of the Agent within the scope of this authorisation shall be treated as the act, document, decision, or communication of the Principal and shall be binding on the Principal accordingly.
2. SCOPE LIMITATION
2.1 This authorisation is limited strictly to the purpose and actions described in clause 1 above. The Agent has no authority to act for or on behalf of the Principal in any matter outside the scope of this authorisation.
2.2 The Agent must not represent to any third party that the Agent has any authority greater than that expressly set out in this Letter of Authorisation.
2.3 The Agent must not sub-delegate or further authorise any other person to act in the Agent's place under this authorisation, except with the prior written consent of the Principal.
2.4 All actions taken by the Agent under this authorisation must be taken in the best interests of the Principal and in accordance with any lawful instructions given by the Principal from time to time.
3. DURATION AND REVOCATION
3.1 This authorisation is [Duration Type]. Where the authorisation is for a fixed period, it expires on [Expiry Date].
3.2 The Principal may revoke this authorisation at any time by providing written notice to the Agent. Revocation takes effect when the notice is received by the Agent. The Principal shall, to the extent practicable, also notify any third party who has been dealing with the Agent under this authorisation that the authorisation has been revoked.
3.3 This authorisation is automatically revoked upon the death, incapacity (other than in relation to an Enduring Power of Attorney under applicable state or territory legislation), bankruptcy, or insolvency of the Principal or the Agent, or upon the dissolution of the Principal or Agent (if a company).
4. AGENT'S OBLIGATIONS
4.1 The Agent agrees to act honestly, diligently, and in the best interests of the Principal at all times in the exercise of this authorisation.
4.2 The Agent must keep the Principal promptly and fully informed of all material actions taken and decisions made under this authorisation.
4.3 The Agent must keep accurate records of all actions taken under this authorisation and must make those records available to the Principal on request.
4.4 The Agent must not use this authorisation for any purpose that conflicts with the Agent's own interests or the interests of any third party, without the prior written consent of the Principal.
5. GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 No Liability for Third Party: The Principal's authorisation of the Agent does not create any partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between the Principal and any third party with whom the Agent deals under this authorisation.
5.2 Indemnity: The Principal indemnifies and holds harmless the Agent from and against any liability, loss, cost, or expense reasonably incurred by the Agent in the proper exercise of this authorisation, provided that the Agent acted within the scope of this authorisation and in accordance with the Principal's lawful instructions.
5.3 Governing Law: This Letter of Authorisation is governed by the laws of [Governing State], Australia. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Governing State] for the resolution of any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Letter of Authorisation.
5.4 Entire Agreement: This Letter of Authorisation constitutes the entire authorisation granted by the Principal to the Agent with respect to the matters described herein and supersedes all prior oral or written authorisations relating to the same subject matter.
Signed by the Principal as evidence of the grant of this authorisation.
PRINCIPAL
Name: [Principal Name]
ABN: [Principal ABN]
Address: [Principal Address], [Principal Suburb], [Principal State] [Principal Postcode]
ACKNOWLEDGED BY AGENT
Name: [Agent Name]
ABN: [Agent ABN]
Address: [Agent Address], [Agent Suburb], [Agent State] [Agent Postcode]
Principal
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Agent (Acknowledged)
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Letter of Authorisation (Australia)?
A Letter of Authorisation in Australia grants written authority for another person to act or obtain information on the signer's behalf and defines the limits of that authority under the Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2).
Under Australian common law, the relationship between a principal and an agent is governed by the law of agency. A Letter of Authorisation formally documents the grant of actual authority — the express, written authority given by the principal to the agent to act in a defined way. Once authority is granted, the principal is legally bound by all acts of the agent that fall within the scope of the authorisation, as if the principal had taken those actions directly. The agent may also create apparent or ostensible authority — where a third party dealing with the agent in good faith reasonably believes the agent has authority — even if the agent acts beyond the express scope of the authorisation.
A Letter of Authorisation differs from a Power of Attorney in that it is an informal, purpose-specific document that does not require the statutory formalities (such as prescribed witnessing) that a Power of Attorney requires under state and territory legislation. It is used for limited and defined purposes and is not a substitute for a Power of Attorney in matters requiring the formal execution of legal documents relating to real property, management of financial accounts, or decisions during incapacity.
The Letter of Authorisation is a versatile document used across a wide range of personal and commercial contexts in Australia: authorising a family member to collect a document from a government agency; authorising a company employee to negotiate and execute a specific commercial contract; authorising a solicitor or accountant to deal with the ATO or other government body on a specific matter; authorising a representative to act at a particular meeting, tender process, or government hearing; and authorising a contractor or consultant to act within a defined scope on behalf of a business. The scope of authority must be carefully defined to protect both the Principal (from unexpected liability) and the Agent (from acting in excess of their authority).
The legal framework governing the Letter of Authorisation (Australia) in Australia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Parties executing a Letter of Authorisation (Australia) in Australia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Letter of Authorisation (Australia)?
A Letter of Authorisation is needed whenever a person or organisation wishes to formally delegate authority to an agent or representative to act on their behalf for a specific purpose, and the matter does not require the full formality of a Power of Attorney.
You should use a Letter of Authorisation when: you are travelling overseas or otherwise unavailable and need to authorise a trusted person to collect a document, attend a meeting, or deal with a government agency on your behalf; your business needs to authorise a specific employee, agent, or contractor to enter into a particular type of contract, negotiate with a specific supplier or customer, or represent the business at a meeting or tender process; you need to authorise a solicitor, accountant, or financial adviser to correspond and deal with the ATO, ASIC, APRA, or another government body on a specific matter; you need to authorise a property manager, conveyancer, or real estate agent to take specific actions in connection with a property transaction on your behalf; you need to authorise a representative to act at a licensing, planning, or development application hearing before a government authority; or your organisation needs to document the internal delegation of authority from a senior officer to a subordinate for a specific purpose or transaction.
A Letter of Authorisation is particularly important when dealing with organisations or government agencies that require written evidence of a person's authority before they will accept instructions or release information. Many banks, government agencies, land registries, and commercial counterparties require a written Letter of Authorisation (or a formal Power of Attorney, depending on the nature of the matter) before they will accept instructions from an agent acting on another's behalf.
Parties in Australia should prepare a Letter of Authorisation (Australia) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Letter of Authorisation (Australia)
A well-drafted Australian Letter of Authorisation should contain the following key elements to be legally effective and to minimise the risk of disputes or misunderstanding about the scope of the agent's authority.
Clear Identification of the Principal and Agent — The Letter must clearly identify both the Principal (the person granting the authority) and the Agent (the person receiving the authority). Full legal names, ABNs (if applicable), and addresses should be provided. If the Principal or Agent is a company, the company should be clearly identified and the Letter should be signed by the appropriate authorised officers.
Precise Statement of the Purpose and Scope of Authorisation — The most important element of a Letter of Authorisation is the precise statement of what the Agent is, and is not, authorised to do. The scope of authority should be defined narrowly and specifically, listing the exact actions the Agent may take. Vague or overly broad language increases the risk that the Agent will take actions beyond what the Principal intended, for which the Principal may nonetheless be legally liable.
Specific Authorised Actions — In addition to a general description of the purpose, the Letter should list the specific actions the Agent is authorised to take. This reduces ambiguity and helps third parties verify the extent of the Agent's authority.
Scope Limitations and Prohibited Actions — The Letter should expressly state what the Agent is NOT authorised to do, particularly where there is a risk that the Agent might take an action that the Principal does not intend — for example, agreeing to a price below a specified minimum, sub-delegating authority, or entering into obligations not contemplated by the Principal.
Duration and Revocation — The Letter should specify whether the authorisation is for a fixed period (expiring on a stated date) or until revoked in writing by the Principal. An open-ended authorisation increases the risk of continued liability if the Principal forgets to revoke it once the purpose has been served.
Agent's Obligations — The Letter should set out the key obligations of the Agent: to act honestly and in the best interests of the Principal, to act within the scope of the authorisation, to keep the Principal informed, to maintain accurate records, and not to act in a conflict of interest.
Additional compliance elements for a Letter of Authorisation (Australia) used in Australia include: Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Letter of Authorisation (Australia) (Australia) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/letters/letter-of-authorisation-australia
"Letter of Authorisation (Australia) (Australia)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/letters/letter-of-authorisation-australia.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Letter of Authorisation (Australia) (Australia)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/letters/letter-of-authorisation-australia}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
A Letter of Authorisation and a Power of Attorney are both legal documents that authorise one person (the agent or attorney) to act on behalf of another (the principal), but they differ significantly in their formality, scope, and legal effect. A Letter of Authorisation is a general-purpose, informal document used to grant authority for specific, limited purposes — for example, to collect a document, represent the principal at a particular meeting, or deal with a government agency on a specific matter. It is not subject to specific statutory requirements in most cases and can be signed without witnesses. A Power of Attorney is a formal legal document governed by specific state and territory legislation — for example, the Powers of Attorney Act 2003 (NSW), the Instruments Act 1958 (Vic) and Powers of Attorney Act 2014 (Vic), and the Powers of Attorney Act 2014 (SA). A Power of Attorney must be executed in accordance with the statutory requirements (including witnessing by a prescribed witness), and an Enduring Power of Attorney (which remains effective during the principal's incapacity) has additional formal requirements. For significant legal and financial matters — such as executing contracts for the sale of real property, managing bank accounts, or making medical decisions — a formal Power of Attorney is generally required rather than a Letter of Authorisation.
A Letter of Authorisation is appropriate for specific, limited, and relatively straightforward purposes that do not require the full formality of a Power of Attorney. Common uses of a Letter of Authorisation in Australia include: authorising a representative to collect a document or certificate on your behalf from a government agency or registry; authorising a person to act as your representative at a meeting, negotiation, or government hearing for a specific purpose; authorising a business representative to enter into a specific type of contract or deal with a particular counterparty on behalf of the company; authorising a solicitor or accountant to communicate with the ATO or another government agency on your behalf for a specific matter; and authorising an employee or contractor to act within a defined scope on behalf of the business. A Power of Attorney is required — and a Letter of Authorisation is insufficient — when you need to: deal with Land Registry Services or Titles Queensland for the execution of documents relating to real property; execute a contract for the sale or purchase of land; manage bank accounts or execute financial transactions; make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person (which requires an Enduring Power of Attorney or Guardianship Order); or act as a director or officer of a company on a continuing basis.
Yes. A Letter of Authorisation can be revoked at any time by the principal by providing written notice to the agent. The revocation takes effect when the agent receives the written notice. The principal should also take steps to notify any third parties who have been dealing with the agent under the authorisation — for example, government agencies, counterparties, or financial institutions — that the authorisation has been revoked and that the agent no longer has authority to act on the principal's behalf. Failure to notify third parties of the revocation may mean that the principal remains bound by acts of the agent that are within the apparent scope of the original authorisation (the doctrine of apparent or ostensible authority under Australian common law). A Letter of Authorisation is also automatically revoked in certain circumstances — for example, upon the death or incapacity of the principal (unlike an Enduring Power of Attorney, which continues during incapacity), the death or bankruptcy of the agent, or the completion of the specific purpose for which the authorisation was granted. The terms of revocation should be clearly set out in the Letter of Authorisation to avoid disputes.
Granting a Letter of Authorisation carries several risks that the principal should consider carefully. The principal is bound by all acts of the agent that fall within the scope of the authorisation — even if the agent acts without instructions or in a manner the principal did not specifically intend — under the law of agency in Australia. The principal may also be bound by acts of the agent that fall outside the strict scope of the authorisation if a third party dealing with the agent in good faith reasonably believed the agent had authority (the doctrine of apparent or ostensible authority, applied by the High Court in cases including Toll (FGCT) Pty Ltd v Alphapharm Pty Ltd (2004) 219 CLR 165). To manage these risks: draft the authorisation with precise and limited scope, specifying exactly what actions the agent may and may not take; include an express statement that the agent's authority is limited to the matters described in the Letter and that no greater authority is to be implied; set a fixed expiry date rather than an open-ended authorisation; revoke the authorisation promptly once the purpose has been served; and notify relevant third parties of both the grant and the revocation of the authorisation in writing.
A Letter of Authorisation generally does not need to be witnessed or notarised to be legally effective in Australia for domestic purposes. As a general contractual document (to the extent it creates binding obligations on the agent), it need only be signed by the principal. However, there are circumstances where witnessing or notarisation may be required or advisable. If the Letter of Authorisation is to be used internationally — for example, to authorise an agent to deal with a foreign government, foreign court, or international institution — the document may need to be notarised and authenticated with an Apostille under the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (which Australia has ratified). If the Letter of Authorisation is to be used in connection with dealings at a state or territory land registry or government land titles office, the specific requirements of that registry should be checked, as some registries require documents to be witnessed by a prescribed witness (for example, an Australian legal practitioner, justice of the peace, or notary public). If the agent is to execute documents as a deed, any document executed as a deed by the agent (under a deed of authority rather than a simple letter) must comply with the requirements for deeds in the relevant state or territory, including witnessing by an independent witness. Legal advice should be obtained if the Letter of Authorisation is to be used for significant or complex purposes.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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