Legislation abolishing death tax on the primary family homestead was one of three short bills tabled in the House of Assembly at the end of the Monday night session.

The Stamp Duties Amendment Act 2005 will be debated this week along with two sets of regulations.

Also on the agenda is the Magistrates? Amendment Act 2005 which will increase the fining powers of magistrates from $10,000 to $25,000. The Public Holidays Amendment Act 2005 will require employers to give sevens days? notice to employees of their intention to open on public holidays ? employees not contracted to work those holidays have the right to turn such work down.

The Act will also bar employers sacking or disciplining employees solely over their reluctance to work such holidays.

The Government Fees Amendment Regulations 2005 will require businesses under 2,500 square feet to pay $320 annually for holiday trading licences. Larger shops will pay $1,000 while a day?s licence is $80. The regulations come into effect on April 1.

The Public Carriage (Operations and Conditions of Hire) Amendment Regulations 2005 will increase legal charges horse carriages can charge ? from $30 per half hour to $40.