There is more
the trainee assessed that workload and priorities would not permit a clearance at the requested level
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The OJTI assessed that the workload at the time of the clearance request was low, but the trainee being new to the role may have perceived the workload as higher. The OJTI also stated that while the trainee’s decision was conservative, it was appropriate
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performance assessment reports and daily training records included debriefing and coaching comments emphasising to trainees and controllers to be cautious with issuing clearances below A080 through the [Coffs Harbour] airspace
One thing that I find interesting is that a trainee in their first week would be so quick to deny a clearance to a VFR aircraft. And it obviously did not come as a suggestion from the supervisor. They are being trained to deny VFR clearances.