i think that regardless of how long you have been somewhere PAID leave is at the discretion of the employer's policy (I dont think it is legislated but I may be wrong). I think in terms of unpaid leave, this usually kicks in as long as you have been there for 12 months but again it can be extended in other situations according to the employer. I would think a govt agency would prob be more flexible in this than other employers may be so you would have a good chance of getting some time off and still having a job at the end of it. Good luck!