The Royal Commission of Inquiry Respecting Areas in the State of New South Wales Suitable for Self-Government as States in the Commonwealth of Australia, commonly known as the Nicholas Royal Commission, was appointed in 1933 to determine the suitability of regions of New South Wales to become federal States in their own right.
Nicholas, found that both the New England region and Western NSW could support themselves as independent states.
Nicholas was appointed sole commissioner on 25 August 1933, to report on the New States Royal Commission.
The proposed states were assessed in terms of the nature of boundaries, size of area, population, nature of production and resources, community interests and means of communication.
A referendum was recommended in each of the proposed areas, with electors informed of the questions at issue, and of facts relating to the advantages and disadvantages of subdivision.