In 1996, he followed his predecessor into the role of opposition leader, and just over four years later, became premier after Labor's victory at the 2001 election. He retired from politics and as premier on 16 January 2006 in order to aid his recovery from depression, and that "in the interests of my health and my family, I've decided to rethink my career." Labor's Ben Wyatt won the resulting by-election, with a 5% swing to the opposition Liberal candidate.
In 1996, he took over as leader of the opposition party, and four years later became premier after Labor's victory in the 2001 election. He retired from politics and as premier on January 16, 2006 to focus on his health and family. This decision led to Ben Wyatt winning the subsequent by-election for Labor, with a 5% shift towards the Liberal candidate.