This is the preamble and paragraph 1 for “An Act to facilitate the apprehension and prevent the introduction into the Colony of Victoria of Offenders illegally at large.” The Act was assented to 23rd September, 1852.
“Whereas great evils have arisen within the Colony of Victoria, from the continual influx of runaway convicts from Van Dieman’s Land, and from the arrival in large numbers of convicts, allowed to be at large, under cover of instruments purporting to be conditional pardons, or tickets of leave; and whereas it is essential for the preservation of peace and good order in the community, that an immediate stop should be put to the landing or being in the said Colony of Victoria, of convicted Felons, or other persons undergoing sentence of transportation, for offences against the laws : Be it enacted by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of Victoria, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof, as follows:-
1. Any master-mariner, or other persons owning, commanding, navigating, or sailing any ship, vessel, or boat for the trip or voyage when such a ship, vessel, or boat shall bring to any port, or other place in the Colony of Victoria, any runaway convict, or any convict coming under cover of any conditional pardon, ticket-of-leave, or indulgence of any kind, other than a free pardon or remission of his or her sentence by Her Majesty, shall, upon conviction thereof before any two Justices of the Peace, having jurisdiction within the said Colony, or any portion thereof, for every such offence, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds, or to imprisonment for any time not exceeding six months, or to both, at the discretion of the said Justices.”
Great evils? 
Essential for the preservation of peace and good order? 1852?
Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose.
