If you dig thru this PDF file, you will find that Sydney is talking about only giving a busking licence if a proper Australian Tax File number is given. This is the approved City of Sydney Busking Policy 2001.

Note:

"Busking is a valid means for people to make a living"

Busking activities are covered by the Council for Public Liability, but only if the busker has agreed to the highly restrictive conditions, including Tax File provision.

It's worth reading the policy in full if you have been following the Mudcat Busking threads, no matter what country you live or busk in - Australian Legislation has an unfortunate habit of becoming attractive to much of the rest of the world's politicians. Australia was one of the first countries to give women the vote, for one example, another is the PBS health drugs scheme.

Robin