He then completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Australia (UWA), and a Diploma of Education at Claremont Teachers' College, graduating in 1969.
At this time he also became Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly, responsible for managing government business, and held that position until his departure from the Ministry.
When Carmen Lawrence became premier in February 1990, Pearce lost all roles except Environment and Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly, but increased in seniority within the Cabinet.
[6] On 20 October 1992, it was announced by the Premier, following the delivery of Part One of the Royal Commission into WA Inc, that a finding of improper conduct had been made against Pearce and that he would stand down from the Ministry and vacate his parliamentary seat after the next election.
He was accused of acting improperly in making information public about the Liberal Party president's fund withdrawals from the Teachers' Credit Society, which failed in 1987.