Regulators are responsible for ensuring appropriate standards are met to ensure community safety and to protect the environment and the rights of Queenslanders. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is responsible for administering the regulation of animal welfare services under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and the Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2012. 

On 15 July 2020, the then Natural Resources, Agricultural Industry Development and Environment Committee requested an audit on the delivery of animal welfare services and the enforcement of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, and the Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2012. The Auditor-General agreed to conduct an audit per the Auditor-General Act 2009 and the Auditor-General Auditing Standards.

This report assesses the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' engagement with RSPCA Queensland, and whether the department is using the mechanisms available to it to provide oversight.