This news article describes how two settlers were charged under the Vagrant Act after spending time with a group of Aboriginal people.

'Country News', The Sydney Morning Herald (5 February 1816) 3

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.