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.
The smartest way to deliver compliance training is with content aggregation
Managing compliance training across multiple providers can be a hassle—always sourcing content and ensuring it meets the latest regulations. A content aggregator removes that complexity by bringing training from multiple providers into one central platform. Instead of buying individual courses from specialized vendors, L&D teams get access to a comprehensive library of regularly updated compliance training—all under a single subscription.
Why would this simplify compliance training?
- Consolidate vendors: Instead of juggling contracts with different vendors, you get instant access to a comprehensive, regularly updated library covering everything from HR compliance to cybersecurity to financial regulations.
- Reduce the risk of outdated training: With an aggregator, you’re not dependent on a single content creator to keep your regulatory training up to date. Instead, you benefit from a network of trusted providers, ensuring that new compliance courses are timely and aligned with the latest regulations.
- Easier reporting: Lastly, with seamless integrations, tracking completions, generating reports, and proving compliance is easier than ever. Less admin work, more confidence that your team is covered.
Getting started with compliance: Australia-specific regulations overview
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 without the complexity
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.
Spend less of your time chasing new compliance training and more of it focusing on what actually matters: Developing people.
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.
