This article explores the development and nature of laws against consorting in New South Wales. It deals briefly with the introduction of the Vagrancy Act of 1835, in the context of a general legislative shift towards controlling the company kept by 'undesirables' (rather than just their finances) including prohibitions on non-Aboriginal people 'wandering' with Aboriginal people.

Alex Steel, 'Consorting in New South Wales: Substantive Offence or Police Power?' (2003) 26(3) UNSW Law Journal 567

Consorting laws make it a crime to associate with people who have criminal records or who are perceived as threats to public safety. These laws aim to control public behaviour and purport to prevent crime. In practice, the enforcement of consorting laws has disproportionately impacted upon Aboriginal people.