In regard to RAAF Amberley ATC, you couldn't ask for more, always helpful and accommodating and two weeks ago even arranged onwards clearance through Brisbane when I offered to drop below the steps.
I’ve been flying through Amberley over 30 years now and had no issues. For the ATC it must be interesting, they get to deal with all-sorts from Drifters doing 50 knots to fast jets.
Based on many years of experience I mostly agree with the above - but not always so.
A few years ago I departed Toowoomba on an PVT IFR plan direct to Redcliffe. On calling up Amberley as directed, their expectation was that I would descend to VFR below the steps, and my refusal to do so (I was not convinced that I could maintain VMC) was not well received. My recollection is that I was placed in a holding pattern for 10-15 min and passed to BN Appr who sent me on my merry IFR way to Redcliffe.
Dr