Following the 1972 election, Willesee was appointed as Special Minister of State, Vice-President of the Executive Council, Minister assisting the Prime Minister and Minister assisting the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the second Whitlam Ministry (which followed the "two-man Ministry" from 5 to 19 December 1972).
After the 1972 election, Willesee's appointment marked a significant shift in the Whitlam government, taking on key responsibilities including serving as Vice-President of the Executive Council and assisting both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.