chance became leader of the government in the legislative council following labor's victory at the 2001 state election, and was appointed minister for agriculture, minister for forestry, and minister for fisheries in the new ministry. his three portfolios were combined in july 2001, although fisheries was separated out again in march 2005 and given to jon ford. chance also held responsibility for several of western australia's regions, subordinate to the minister for regional development. he remained in the ministry until the labor government's defeat at the 2008 state election, which he did not contest. his term ended in may 2009.