The Committee was established on 26 November 1856 to enquire into the working of the penal establishments of the Colony, with power to examine witnesses, and require the production of books and papers.

The final report of the Committee was tabled in the Legislative Council on 30 July 1857. The Committee stated that much of the evidence obtained was in fact contraditory, making it difficult to draw any firm conclusions. The committee did however agree that the present condition of penal establishments was unsatisfactory, that this was due to a lack of adequate accommodation, and therefore a properly designed facility immediately be commenced and completed as quickly as possible.