I have recently moved to the Gold Coast and am looking to start a Carpentry business and Home maintanence business. I am not not quite sure what insurances, qbcc license and financial obligations are required. I have done some research and still seems abit grey. Please could I get some advise?

Hi Cory, well done on taking the plunge into your own business. I would assume you are going to start as a sole trader, so in terms of insurances, you will need a Public Liability (in case something happens to property or people during a job),

If contracting to a larger organisation (eg; developer or strata considering your on the Gold Coast), you will need an income protection (aka sickness & accident but not the same) so the larger organisation is passing the risk of you hurting yourself off them.

Do yourself a favour right from the beginning and register with Xero, which is an accounting software that automates a lot of your bookkeeping as this is what so many businesses starting out neglect. Always know your numbers! It helps with tax, cashflow and borrowing.

Once you're going strong, interview a few accountants locally and choose them wisely (ones that ask lots of questions are a good start) because ideally you don't want to change anytime soon once you grow.
All the best with your new venture. I hope you love working for yourself like we all do.
Kind Regards. Paul