YouTubers Levi Triffitt and Rob Parsons call for change to ‘outdated’ PWS rules

Two YouTubers who have been fined for filming videos without proper permits in the state’s Central Plateau feel laws relating to online content creation are outdated. What they say should be changed.

Levi Triffitt (L) and Rob Parsons (R).

Two YouTubers who have been fined for filming videos without proper permits in the state’s Central Plateau feel laws relating to online content creation are outdated.

Levi Triffitt of YouTube channel Tassie Boys Prospecting, and Rob Parsons, who runs a self-titled YouTube channel, have been found in breach of numerous national park regulations by Tasmanian’s Parks and Wildlife Services (PWS).

The infringements relate to the use of a drone on reserved land without authorisation, and lack of a business licence to film in areas managed by the PWS.

While admitting fault, Mr Levi said he believes the rules are outdated.

Regulations relating to filming and licenses to film and date back to 2002, when the National Parks and Reserves Management Act was developed.

Rob Parsons, pictured, and Levi Triffitt are two Tasmanian YouTubers who were fined by Tasmania's PWS for breaching filming licenses. (Supplied: Levi Triffitt)

Filming permits are required for anyone who wishes to film or take photos for the purposes of sale or hire and cost $440 per project.

This is something that Mr Triffitt believes needs to be changed – and soon.

“The licence in Tasmania isn’t really tailored for people like Rob and myself who are YouTubers – it’s meant for TV and film crews of people who have crews of eight people or more and is outdated,” Mr Triffitt said.

Both Mr Levi and Mr Parsons earn a living from their YouTube work, with Mr Levi sporting 180,000 followers and Mr Parsons holding 53,000 followers respectively.

Mr Triffitt said PWS had indicated that he and Mr Parsons should also apply for the nature-based tourism application in addition to their filming license, something Mr Triffitt said did not relate to their content creation role.

“Nothing in the application relates to what we do, and again doesn’t fit the category of content creation,” he said.

However, Mr Triffitt believes he and Mr Parsons should have researched more before filming.

“It’s probably a bit of negligence on our part – as we are both commercially operating now – we just weren’t aware that we even needed it,” he said.

Tassie Boys Prospecting channel owner, Levi Triffitt, said PWS regulations around filming in the state's parks were outdated. (Supplied: Instagram)

Rob Parsons and his self-titled YouTube channel were found to be in breach of PWS regulations for filming. (Supplied: Facebook)

Mr Triffitt said instead of targeting other Tasmanian influencers and businesses in a crackdown, he would prefer if PWS updated the law in line with other states and territories in Australia, who have specific licensing for social media and content creation.

“It’s a matter of both sides doing their part,” he said.

“For PWS, they need to tailor it to content creators and make it a bit more appropriate for what we are doing and on the other hand, we need to ensure we follow the rules and make sure we meet requirements.”

A PWS spokesperson said any person who undertook an activity, including filming, on PWS managed land and who earned an income from the activity must have a business licence – according to the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002.

“Business licence applications are carefully assessed and include appropriate conditions to ensure that activities do not put reserve values at risk,” the spokesperson said.

“When any complaint of alleged offending is received by PWS, authorised officers must assess and investigate those complaints as required according to legislation.

“Any person seeking to undertake commercial activity on reserved land, including filming, should contact PWS for assistance with their request.

PWS confirmed it would “be open” to considering a review of the application process to ensure it is “up-to-date and fit for purpose”.