I am aware of one Captain from a major Airline getting marked down on a line check as he called the Flight Planners and asked for CBR as an alternate for MEL as he wanted more fuel on board (It was 5000m in Showers). Happily took the extra fuel loaded and proceeded to taxi. Check Captain had noticed though that Canberra was closed for the period due to Fog. Made for an interesting discussion at the end apparently about professionalism.
Fuel is easy. If you need it take it. If you are making up excuses to always carry more than it may be time to reconsider your position and don't even bother to go to the Long Haul operators as you won't last long there. As for HR they should never be in any of those sort of meetings and they know it.