in the 1993 state election, the conservative forces finally regained government, largely by just being able to finally present themselves as united. this was despite what should have been a relatively easy ride given labor's problems with wa inc. and the findings of the associated royal commission which had been handed down the year before. the liberals won a small, but absolute majority in both houses with the nationals holding 6 seats in the lower house and 3 in the upper house. nevertheless, a liberal-national party coalition was formed and cowan was deputy premier under richard court from 1993 to 2001, as well as holding ministerial portfolios of commerce and trade (16 february 1993 to 16 february 2001), small business and regional development (10 february 1995 to 16 february 2001).