The terms of reference of this Royal Commission were to investigate:

1) The circumstances of the arrest, in June 1926, of the Aboriginal Lumbia on a charge of the wilful murder of Frederick William Hay;

2) The facts relating to the alleged killing and burning of the bodies of Aborigines, in or about June 1926, at Gotegote-merrie and Mowerie, in the Forrest River district, by native trackers and police boys when such Aborigines were about to be arrested by or while in the custody of Police Constables Regan and St. Jack, assisted by Special Constables O'Leary and Jolly;

3) The circumstances of the alleged killing of four Aborigines and the burning of their bodies at or near a place called Dala while in the custody of Police Constables Regan and St. Jack;

4) The disappearance of the Aboriginal Tommy, who was in the employment of Leopold Overhen and who, it is alleged, could give material evidence in this inquiry; and

5) The employment by the police of armed Aboriginal trackers and police boys in executing warrants for the arrest of Aborigines, such trackers and police boys not being, it is alleged, under the efficient and proper control of responsible officers.

George Tuthill Wood was appointed as Royal Commissioner.