Ahern appointed Cooper to cabinet as part of an influx of younger National parliamentarians who had not been associated with the previous Cabinet .
In December 1987 , the National Party replaced Bjelke - Petersen as leader and Premier with Mike Ahern .
Mike Ahern appointed Cooper to cabinet as part of an influx of younger National parliamentarians who had not been associated with the previous Cabinet .
In December 1987 , the National Party replaced Bjelke - Petersen as leader and Premier with Mike Ahern .