Legislation addressing prostitution in Western Australia dates from the introduction of English law in 1829, specifically prohibiting bawdy houses ("Interpretation Act"). Prostitution in Western Australia has been intimately tied to the history of gold mining. In these areas a quasi-official arrangement existed between premise owners and the authorities. This was frequently justified as a harm reduction measure. Like other Australian colonies, legislation tended to be influenced by developments in Britain. The "Police Act 1892" was no different, establishing penalties for soliciting or vagrancy, while the "Criminal Law Amendment Act 1892" dealt with procurement. Brothel keepers were prosecuted under the "Municipal Institutions Act 1895", by which all municipalities had passed brothel suppression by-laws by 1905.