Senators yesterday passed three pieces of legislation without debate.

The Magistrates Amendment Act 2005, which increases the level of financial disputes which can be heard in the lower court from $10,000 to $25,000 proceeded through its second and third readings without delay.

The bill is designed to decrease strain on the already excessive workload imposed on the Supreme Court by allowing the Small Claims court to hear more significant cases.

The National Training Board Amendment Act, which is set to increase penalties for employers who abuse the rights of apprentices from $500 to $10,000 and the recent salary raises for all politicians announced in the budget were also passed unopposed.