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February 16, 2026 \u2014 7:00pm<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n Save this article for later<\/p>\n Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n Got it<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.)<\/p>\n Workers are also shown looking skyward as no attempt is made to safely lower the boom for the possum.<\/p>\n \u201cThey just stand there an [sic] laughing at it and they did it on purpose,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Comment was also sought from the Queensland Police Service, which referred queries to the RSPCA.<\/p>\n \u201cRSPCA Queensland has received a report regarding this matter and is aware of the footage,\u201d a spokeswoman said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur inspectors assess all available evidence before determining whether further action is required.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The possum survived the fall, Murdoch said, and \u201cby all accounts\u201d was able to run away from the worksite, something this masthead was unable to independently verify.<\/p>\n \u201cThese actions were wrong, and not in line with Arete\u2019s expectations of our employees,\u201d Murdoch said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cA formal counselling and warning was given to the concrete boom operator employee on Friday 13 February 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cThe employee acknowledged his actions were wrong, and he is regretful of his actions.\u201d<\/p>\n Murdoch said all Arete staff had been formally briefed on procedures to follow if wildlife entered a work area, including stopping work.<\/p>\n \u201cAny wildlife located will be returned to their natural habitat where possible or the appropriate wildlife authority contacted to assist,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1851a9fb86a9708009d557350514aaab1fc4a10ea3a2c9484f66350cb8bc9ad1.jpeg\")
The possum was shaken off the concrete boom pump on Friday.TikTok<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8d4c820202ea0a7fa5d29d3931291ed89fa2695a9a8383373e6bc548944492a6.jpeg\")
The possum was left stricken, convulsing on the cement below.TikTok<\/p>\n