The commission was a penetrating investigation of organised crime, revealing for the first time the power and influence of the Calabrian mafia in Australia.
According to a book[1] published in 2009 co-authored by former NSW police assistant commissioner, Clive Small:[2] Woodward's report was the first to publicly identify members of the Calabrian mafia in Australia and the first to expose the scale of its drug-dealing.
The Royal Commissioner studied, examined and reported upon the following drugs - cannabis; narcotics; heroin; amphetamines, cocaine and hallucinogens.
In addition, the commissioner studied seizures which had occurred in various places in the State including The Riverina, Colleambally, Euston, Wollongong, Sutherland and St George and Byron Bay, and the operation of known importers and distributors.
The Royal Commission concluded on 31 October, when the report was handed to the governor in the Premier's Office.