FF Status hold new parents

[deuteros]

A question for the brains trust.

I understand you can apply to Qantas for status hold if you're on parental leave. However, is it possible to request status hold when new bub arrives if you're not on parental leave and still working fulltime?

I'll be 6 months into my membership year when bub arrives. I won't be on parental leave but will have to curtail my flying for the last 6 months of my membership year to support my partner. As a result, it will be unlikely I can retain my status . Will Qantas grant an extension on such grounds?

The status hold pages says:
"Status Hold is available for parents who are taking at least six consecutive months leave from paid employment to spend time with their family. Both parents can apply. "

However, none of the T&Cs or FAQ questions says you MUST be on paternity leave.

What have new parents done in such situation?

 

[TheInsider]

You can't. Must be as per the T&Cs.

 

[CaptJCool]

This is another case then of “not being up to modern standard”
It ought be moot point as to whether someone is on leave or not but of course somethings are best left in the 1990s like men forced to stay working while their partners take time off for children