any one out there tell me what licences are required for carpenters in queensland adverts on the internet ask for blue cards and insurance?
also is it possable to start your own business as soon as you get out there

Blue card is basically a safety certificate to say you understand safety proceedures, mine took me about 2 hours "online" via the local TAFE (college)

you will also need a "QBSA" license....not so easy to get! If you are "time served" you can apply for RPL (recognition of prior learning) and this should get you a "restricted" license though they may still want you to take some courses to get a full license. It may pay you to look at being employed first to help with this process.

you can start a business straight away all you need to do is apply for an ABN (Australian business number) and a Tax file number, these are just "apply for & get" type things, but without a QBSA license you are limited to "small jobs" invoiced at under $1000 + GST (VAT!)

Insurances is like public liability etc you need as a sole trader (same as in the UK in theory!)

I heard at a meet that some UK colleges were looking into offering these licencing courses. Don't know any more details yet but perhaps someone else does?

Good luck anyhows

thanks for the info guys