 Unlike his predecessors, he was never promoted to cabinet, though he did serve in the opposition shadow ministry from 1983 to 1985.In the lead up to the 1990 Federal Election it was suggested that he would stand aside to allow John Elliott to take his seat, and the leadership of the Federal Liberal Party, but he declined to make way for Elliott and remained the member for Higgins.Despite his stand he was successfully challenged for pre-selection by future Treasurer Peter Costello with support from Michael Kroger.