I started my career as a busker, mainly in Northern Queensland. It was illegal in those days (1966-7)and you had to keep moving on to avoid the cops. From there, I moved into the pubs. Townsville had 56 in those days. I would buy a beer and prop my guitar against the wall with my pack. Sooner or later someone would ask you to play and get permission from the barman. It was illegal to perform in the bar but they often turned a blind eye. Evenings in the lounge were good and every now and then I would pass the hat round, or preferably, get someone else to do it. It was a great way to learn performance skills as well as meeting some wonderful people. The only drawback was that everyons wanted to buy you a beer and this led to a heavy habit by the time I was in my early twenties. My 11 year old son has now taken up busking with his cello at the local market and it has given him a great incentive to study his instrument as well as teaching him how to perform. Incidently, if they take your TFN before allowing you to busk, that should prove that you are a professional musician. For the small amount that you need to declare, you can then claim instrument depreciation, strings, clothing, make-up and even massage as tax deductions so it ain't all bad.