Aussie, I would not assume anything sinister....let me explain this behaviour as it was once explained to me:
A mid-level govt functionary put it this way: I am responsible for "Line 14a of form 342 for my ministry. I have two boys. Since it is my duty to provide for their employment when they are older, I will do everthing I can to see that Line 14a is split into two sub-parts- one for each of my boys to administer."
