He continued to improve, breaking the 1500-metre world record in Adelaide at the Australian trials for the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.

In 1991, Housman was struck down by illness, and was forced to sit on the sidelines as Perkins claimed the 1500-metre freestyle world record.

He returned at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where despite swimming a fine race, he was completely overshadowed as Perkins swept all before him.

Housman was once again absent in 1993 due to illness, returning to the pool for the 1994 Commonwealth Games only to finish 3rd in the 1500-metre freestyle, trailing Perkins and Daniel Kowalski.

He missed out on selection for the 1500-metre behind Perkins and Kowalski, and was relegated to the role of a heat swimmer for the 4×200-metre freestyle relay team, which later finished fourth.