RSPCA boss Darren Maier vows to defend organisation amid scandal

RSPCA Queensland’s CEO has written to his 400 employees and spoken at an annual meeting after revelations of turmoil within the iconic animal welfare group. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO

Besieged RSPCA Queensland boss Darren Maier has told staff he is ‘okay’ and vowed to ‘stand up and defend’ the organisation against what he calls an ‘assault’ on its reputation.

Mr Maier, Chief Executive, wrote to the RSPCA’s 400 employees on Tuesday following News Corp’s revelations of turmoil within the iconic animal welfare group.

The RSPCA has been rocked by strife including controversy over tens of thousands of dollars in executive bonuses, a whistleblower probe into conflict of interest allegations and the sacking of a senior staffer over a sexual relationship scandal after he allegedly raised concerns about animal welfare issues.

Leaked documents reveal Mr Maier, who earns more than $330,000 a year plus perks, was paid about $170,000 in bonuses over the last two years at the same time as the RSPCA was receiving millions of dollars in JobKeeper payments.

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.

Two of Mr Maier’s associates who were hired on six-figure salaries - including his son’s basketball coach - received bonuses totalling about $30,000 before leaving the RSPCA earlier this year, according to documents.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for a ‘thorough review’ into the organisation following the revelations.

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.

Mr Maier wrote to staff on Tuesday, telling them he ‘wanted to reach out following the media over the last few days’.

“Amongst other things, there was an insinuation that my remuneration structure which includes a performance bonus was taking the focus and money away from animals resulting in allegations around animal neglect, cultural problems and a mass exodus of senior staff,” he wrote.

“I just wanted to say that whilst this was clearly a difficult day that I am OK and thanks to the many of you who have asked me directly, I really do appreciate it.

The allegations around animal neglect and poor animal care however is an assault on the RSPCA and its people and I will stand up and defend against it as I absolutely know them to not be true.

“I see every day the incredible work you all do, both staff and volunteers, and I can’t thank you enough for this. The results we have achieved on this front just do not justify the allegations.

RSPCA Chairperson Justine Hickey and Chief Executive Darren Maier. Pic Annette Dew

“Our animal outcomes are as strong as ever. We are still rehoming 86 per cent of animals. That is, we save every animal that can be safely and humanely rehomed, no matter how long it takes to find them the right home.

“We continue to invest in developing ways to care for more difficult cases, as well as investing in more proactive programs to address the root cause of animal welfare issues. “Most importantly, we have spent $3m more on direct animal outcomes in FY21 than we did two years ago.”

Mr Maier said the culture at RSPCA Queensland was ‘stronger than it has been in years’, with a six per cent increase in staff engagement and a 16 per cent increase in leadership trust in the last engagement survey.

“Financially, we are in the strongest and most sustainable position we have been in for many years having invested into the much needed areas like wildlife, the Inspectorate and now IT transformation, community outreach and education to name a few.

“Organisationally we remain committed to being on the front foot and delivering the best animal outcomes, investing in our people and your wellbeing to drive a positive culture and engaging with the community through awareness, support and education and to develop and nurture socially conscious animal communities

“Personally I remain committed to having your back and keep working to provide the best working environment and opportunities for each of you so that together we can create the best RSPCA Queensland we possibly can.”