Blue card / ABN to start work in Oz

[Bladder]

I am in the building trade and hoping to move over to Brisbane in September, should I try to obtain a blue card and ABN before I go, so I can pick up work quickly? Or is it only possible to do once I'm there? If so, how long does it take to get the relevant documentation together in order to start work?
I'm sub-contracting here and want to do the same over there (enjoy the freedom and flexibility), it seems that most companies prefer workers on the books (wages), is sub-contract work available out there?
Anything else I need to get work?
How long do I need to be working before I can get a mortgage???
Loads of questions I know, but I'd really appreciate some feedback.
Cheers!

[Mark'n'Ju]

Hey Bladder and welcome in ,
I pretty sure that he blue card can only obtained when your here.
Its a 4hr course on health and saftey, dead easy.It costs around $75 depending where you do it.A bit like the CSCS card.
ABN the same, as you need an address.You can get it online from ozzy government web site.

Cheers and good luck

Mark

[ABCDiamond]

Construction Industry BLUE CARD (do not confuse with childcare industry Blue Card) ;)

If you are going to work on ANY construction site you will also need to obtain a Construction General Induction Competency certificate, also known as a "Construction Blue Card". This is a legal requirement and affects Builders, Bricklayers, Electricians etc.

Principal Contractors are NOT allowed to employ anyone on site if they do not hold such a blue card. Workers can also be fined if found working without them.

This link may give you an idea about it:
Queensland Construction Safety Induction Blue Card
http://www.dir.qld.gov.au/workplace/...tion/index.htm



You will almost certainly have to start as an employee, and then take some exams, so you can become a contractor, this can take some weeks/months.

I have heard that it can take 4-6 months, and cost about $2,500 to get a full trade licence to operate as a self employed builder.

However,

Do you need to be licensed?
BSA currently licences builders and trade contractors in many different classes of licence including those listed below.
A licence is required if an individual or company wants to carry out or supervise building work over the value of $1100 (including labour and materials)

from http://www.bsa.qld.gov.au/Home/Build...edALicence.htm

Check out http://www.abr.gov.au/ABR_BC/ to do an ABN application. You probably need a tax file number though, so I feel you may need to wait till you are here, although I havent checked it recently.