A Brisbane concrete pourer has been warned after footage circulated of him deliberately shaking a native ringtail possum off a pouring boom to fall about 30 metres to the ground.
The footage, posted in a since-deleted post on TikTok by a nearby worker, shows the possum holding on for dear life atop a fully extended concrete boom pump owned by Brisbane firm Arete Concrete.
The boom pump operator then shakes the possum free, causing it to fall to the cement surface below. The footage zooms in on the animal, which appeared to be twitching or convulsing on the ground. (This masthead has chosen not to show that portion of the footage.)
Workers are also shown looking skyward, as no attempt is made to safely lower the boom for the possum.
“They just stand there an [sic] laughing at it an they did it on purpose,” the poster, who this masthead has decided not to name, said in reply to a comment on his video. Comment was sought from that worker.
Comment was also sought from the Queensland Police Service, which referred queries to the RSPCA.
“RSPCA Queensland has received a report regarding this matter and is aware of the footage,” a spokeswoman said.
“Our inspectors assess all available evidence before determining whether further action is required.”
Arete managing director Steve Murdoch said he was caught off-guard by the incident and action was taken within an hour of him becoming aware of what happened.
The possum survived the fall, Murdoch said, and “by all accounts” was able to run away from the worksite, something this masthead was unable to independently verify.
“These actions were wrong, and not in line with Arete’s expectations of our employees,” Murdoch said in a statement.
“A formal counselling and warning was given to the concrete boom operator employee on Friday 13 February 2026.
“The employee acknowledged his actions were wrong, and he is regretful of his actions.”
Murdoch said all Arete staff had been formally briefed on procedures to follow if wildlife entered a work area, including stopping work.
“Any wildlife located will be returned to their natural habitat where possible or the appropriate wildlife authority contacted to assist,” he said.
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