THE 'POKER' game that went on between the Treasurer (Peter Curtain) and the Legislative Council (for its own status) over wage controls and Budget matters was always going to end in recriminations.
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The upper house was, of course, not playing 'poker' with its own money whilst the Treasurer was trying to protect what bit is left in his coffers.
Furthermore, the government had only recently won a 'premiership' and wasn't about to let its opponents - not only in the council - forget the significant public euphoria that greeted the victory. Government supporters are looking for at least 'back-to-back' wins and to achieve that it's necessary to stick to the previously successful game plan - even if some of the methods might mean losing a trick here and there.
On the other hand, the Legislative Council doesn't really have a full 'team' - just a patchwork of individuals each protecting it's own suit and only agreeing to work together if there's a slight chance of pulling off a bluff.
— TREVOR COWELL, Perth
