A country's e-readiness measures the current state of its ICT infrastructure and the degree to which its consumers, businesses and governments are able to capitalise on internet based opportunities. Of the 70 economies surveyed by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2008, Australia was ranked fourth in the world for its e-commerce capabilities.

E-readiness is a valuable indicator for global companies looking to invest in technologically advanced and innovative countries. Australia's high e-readiness score was supported by accelerating broadband penetration, its social and cultural environment (ranked best in the world), legal environment (ranked outright second in the world) and connectivity (sixth in the world and second in the Asia Pacific).

Australia's position at the forefront of e-business legislation is well established. A survey of executives in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2007-08 rated Australia 19th out of 131 countries for the development and enforcement of laws relating to ICT, including electronic commerce, digital signatures and consumer protection.