New blow for RSPCA Qld as high-profile wildlife warrior quits role

Strife-torn RSPCA Queensland has suffered another blow, with the sudden resignation of a high-profile wildlife warrior from its board of directors, allegedly over concerns about the direction of the iconic animal welfare organisation.

Strife-torn RSPCA Queensland has suffered another blow, with the sudden resignation of a high-profile wildlife warrior from its board of directors.

Sources say former Dreamworld life sciences manager Al Mucci quit the board last month over concerns about the direction of the animal welfare icon.

His departure comes as the RSPCA braces for a court showdown next month with two former executives who have launched unfair dismissal claims, alleging they were sacked after blowing the whistle on “maladministration, misconduct and corruption”.

It comes after the RSPCA was embroiled in scandal including outcry over tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses paid to CEO Darren Maier at a time when the organisation was receiving JobKeeper payments.

Al Mucci hanging out with some koalas at Dreamworld. Picture: Adam Head

An independent whistleblower investigation late last year also found the appointments of two of Mr Maier’s associates – including his son’s basketball coach – to senior positions within the RSPCA breached its conflict of interest policy.

A veteran senior staffer who claimed to have raised concerns about animal welfare issues was sacked after a $100,000 investigation found he had a sexual relationship with a woman caught up in a dogfighting probe.

The man admitted to having had sex with the woman in an RSPCA car and “explicit” photos and texts were found on the staffer’s work-issued mobile phone, documents reveal.

RSPCA board members were grilled by disgruntled members, including former judge Michael Byrne QC, at its annual meeting late last year.

Current and former staff, including an RSPCA lawyer, sensationally called on the board and management team to stand aside “for the good of the organisation”.

Following the revelations, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called for a “thorough review” into the peak animal welfare body.

Mr Mucci only joined the volunteer RSPCA board last year but sources say he resigned over concerns about the way the organisation was run.

RSPCA chair Justine Hickey and Chief Executive Darren Maier. File picture: Annette Dew

The koala and bilby expert and University of Queensland adjunct professor was a member of the RSPCA’s animal welfare and ethics committee and his departure leaves a void of professional animal experience on the board.

He declined to comment, but the RSPCA released a statement attributed to him which said he had resigned to spend more time with his family, complete an honours degree and develop his wildlife consulting business.

The statement said he fully supported the RSPCA board and management.

RSPCA chair Justine Hickey said: “I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by Al in his time on the RSPCA Qld board. We will miss him as a friend and colleague and wish Al every success.”