During the first term of the Kennett government he also served as the Minister for Major Projects. He was responsible for the 'Agenda 21' infrastructure projects like the new Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Melbourne Museum, City Circle Tram, the Regent Theatre, Docklands, Beacon Cove and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. After the 1996 election he swapped his Ministerial portfolios for the Industry, Science and Technology portfolio. As minister he oversaw the State's first "Science, Engineering and Technology policy," legislating for 7-day shop trading, and overseeing a successful investment attraction program.