This is what I’ve heard from the Townsville refueller....
No flight plan lodged
Clearance requested very close to the CTA step
Controller unable to issue the clearance without first completing coordination with CFS tower, “standby” is an unacceptable response , required response is “remain clear of controlled airspace” in this circumstance apparently
Controller was himself/ herself a GA pilot, would have been willing to help as they could
No further request for help/ advice received, no expression of doubt/alarm/distress
Um , that’s about it, my aircraft was refuelled by then....