Governance and compliance refers to the systems, policies, and oversight mechanisms organisations implement to ensure lawful operations, ethical conduct, and risk management alignment. In Australia, governance and compliance programs address obligations under the Corporations Act, Privacy Act, APRA standards, and sector-specific regulations. Effective governance structures define accountability at board and executive levels, while compliance processes ensure policies are implemented, monitored, and auditable. Governance and compliance frameworks integrate risk management, internal controls, reporting mechanisms, and assurance activities. By embedding governance and compliance into organisational culture, businesses reduce regulatory penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. Strong governance and compliance practices also support ESG reporting and cyber risk oversight, aligning strategic objectives with regulatory and stakeholder expectations.