For all the armchair experts let me explain some things for you.
Pitot probes have proper Boeing covers with flags that have "Remove before flight"
All the static probes, engines, fuselages and vertical stabiliser do not have Boeing covers.
In this instance they are covered with clear plastic film that is open at the bottom to allow condensation to drain, This plastic film is held in place with the yellow tape.
The yellow tape in question is a 3M product which is the correct spec as per Boeing for covering static ports. There is also some red/white barber pole tape that is applied as well as the "flag"
If the aircraft is covered like this it is because the aircraft is being parked for more than 24 hours. There are specific job cards for carrying out the parking tasks. They are some of the most poorly written and amended cards I have ever used.
There is also a card to remove the covers/tape etc. None of this is in the log book as it is covered by the job cards which are controlled in the electronic maintenance system.
So at the end of the day someone didn't remove them and signed for it. The task was certified without being checked and the flight crew missed it on the walk around.
With QF being in a state of flux for the past 2 years and managers doing anything but managing these events are happening. It isn't good for anyone. The 787 gear pins being left in 12 months ago also was put down to organisational change amongst other factors. It may seem to be a simple error, but nothing is ever simple. Those who work in this industry would understand it.