‘Thorough review’ into RSPCA after animal neglect, sex tryst claims

The Premier has called for a “thorough review” into RSPCA Queensland as the organisation’s chief executive is quizzed over the use of donor funds, staff bonuses and anima neglect.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for a “thorough review” into RSPCA Queensland after revelations of turmoil within the peak ­animal welfare group, including whistleblower claims of animal neglect, controversy over hefty executive bonuses and the sacking of a senior staffer over a sex tryst.

It comes as an audio recording emerged of RSPCA bosses being grilled by a top barrister and former District Court judge at its annual general meeting last weekend about the controversial bonuses and staff redundancies.

A flood of current and former staff and volunteers have come forward to vent their concerns about the running of the organisation after The Sunday Mail lifted the lid on the controversy.

The peak animal welfare body, which has a $50m annual budget funded largely by the public, has been beset by recent strife, including a whistleblower investigation into the payment of bonuses and conflict-of-interest allegations.

Documents reveal chief executive Darren Maier pocketed about $170,000 in bonuses over the past two years, at the same time as the RSPCA was receiving millions of dollars in JobKeeper payments.

RSPCA bosses have strongly defended the organisation.

RSPCA chairperson Justine Hickey and chief executive Darren Maier. Picture: Annette Dew

At a media conference on the Gold Coast on Monday, Ms Palaszczuk was asked if she had concerns about the RSPCA and whether the executive bonuses passed the “pub test”.

“I’ve heard some of those reports and hopefully the RSPCA will do a thorough ­review,” she said.

Michael Byrne QC, a former judge and Director of Public Prosecutions, who has joined the RSPCA, quizzed Mr Maier and board chair Justine ­Hickey about the concerns at the ­society’s annual meeting at Wacol on Saturday.

Stressing that “these are questions, not accusations”, Mr Byrne asked about the payment of ­bonuses, whether $500,000 in donor funds had been spent on redundancies and if senior staff were expressing “serious concern” about animal care standards.

Mr Byrne also questioned whether the RSPCA had lost experienced shelter staff, and if the number of animals in care or being adopted had ­“almost halved”.

Mr Maier said that the number of animals in care had declined only marginally and rehoming rates remained strong.