Some years ago CASA successfully prosecuted a pilot who was taking photos from his aircraft and selling to property owners (maybe in FNQ??). In those days an Aerial Work AOC was required. Even earlier either DCA or CAA took action against a Vet and a Diesel Mechanic who used their own aircraft to fly to rural properties (with their equipment in the aircraft) to carry our veterinary duties or mechanical repairs. Their reasoning was the use of the aircraft would not be free and was included in the Vet or Mechanic's professional charges.
In May 1987 I obtained a Charter AOC is seventeen days, from scratch to first flight by multiple twin turbine aircraft, which a few weeks later was upgraded to Low Capacity RPT. I believe that may be an Australian record that will never be broken!