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).
Following the 1972 election, Willesee was appointed to lead the second Whitlam Ministry, which included roles such as Vice-President of the Executive Council and Assistant to the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.