Bjelke-Petersen finally stepped down on 1 December 1987. Ahern and Gunn then each assumed eight portfolios temporarily while the process of choosing a new Cabinet was undertaken, and on 9 December, Gunn was appointed Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Main Roads, Police and the World Expo 88 to be held in Brisbane. Among other things, he was responsible for a multimillion-dollar program to help local councils develop regional road infrastructure, and getting bullet-proof vests as standard issue for police officers. On 25 September 1989, following Russell Cooper's ascension to the premiership, he became Minister for Finance and Local Government.