An L&D leader's guide to regulatory compliance training in Australia

Compliance isn’t just another admin task. For L&D leaders, it’s a powerful way to build trust, support your people, and strengthen ties with HR and compliance teams. The catch? Regulations like the Fair Work Act 2009, the Privacy Act 1988, and state-level mandates are constantly changing, turning compliance into a moving target. 

And when you’re balancing urgent requests, shifting priorities, and broader business needs, it’s tough to stay ahead. That’s why we've pulled together a go-to list of key regulations L&D and HR teams are usually on the hook for—so you can start smart and stay ready. 

A solid compliance training program should cover key areas like HR regulations, financial ethics, data privacy, cybersecurity, and workplace safety. Not sure where to begin? Below, we’ve outlined essential AU regulations that businesses need to follow to stay compliant. 

1. HR Compliance: Preventing discrimination and harassment 

HR compliance laws and regulations require employers to train employees on workplace conduct, anti-discrimination policies, and employee rights. State-specific training is also essential, especially for harassment prevention laws in states like California, New York, Connecticut, and more. 

Key Topics: 

• Harassment prevention 
• Diversity and Inclusion 
• Anti-discrimination laws 
• Workplace violence prevention 
• Family and medical leave policies 

Common Regulations: 

• Fair Work Act 2009 
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975 
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984 
• Respect at Work Amendment Act 
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 
• Age Discrimination Act 2004 
• Modern Slavery Act 2018 

2. Ethics and Financial compliance: Reducing fraud and corruption 

Financial compliance training helps employees navigate insider trading laws, anti-bribery regulations, and ethical decision-making, reducing the risk of legal violations. Companies are also required to implement fraud prevention measures and whistleblower protections to maintain transparency and accountability. 

Key Topics: 

• Anti-bribery and corruption 
• Insider trading and financial conduct  
• Anti-money laundering 
• Fraud detection and whistleblower protections 
• Conflicts of interest and risk management 

Common Regulations: 

• Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA) 
• Corporations Act 2001 
• Anti-Money Laundering Act 2006 

3. Data privacy and Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive information 

As cyber threats grow, businesses must equip employees with the skills to protect sensitive data. Regulations enforce strict data security measures to prevent breaches and safeguard consumer privacy. 

Key Topics: 

• Handling sensitive data (HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA) 
• Mitigating cybersecurity threats 
• Phishing and social engineering awareness 
• Multi-factor authentication 
• Incident reporting and management 

Common Regulations: 

• Privacy Act 1988 
• Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) 

4. Workplace health and safety: Meeting OSHA standards 

Workplace safety training covers everything from fire safety to emergency response, helping employees recognize hazards and react quickly in a crisis. OSHA regulations set the standard, requiring training on ergonomics, first aid, and proper equipment use to maintain a safe work environment. 

Key Topics: 

• Workplace fire safety 
• Emergency action plans 
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• First aid and CPR certification 

Common Regulations: 

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 

Compliance training doesn’t have to be clunky or complicated. The smarter way? One subscription that pulls trusted content from hundreds of providers into one place—always current, always compliant. No more chasing down vendors or wondering if your team’s training is up to date. With streamlined reporting and built-in integrations, Go1 makes staying audit-ready the easiest part of your job. 

To go a step further, check out our downloadable AU Regulation Guide for a simple guide to key AU compliance regulations with Go1's recommended training content. 

Disclaimer: This publication is intended only to provide a summary and general overview of matters of interest. It is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. We attempt to ensure that the publication is current, but we do not guarantee its currency or accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the information to verify its accuracy, completeness, and relevance to your situation. We are not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this publication.