[1] Parkes began training for ordination in 1986 and was previously an assistant bishop in the Diocese of Brisbane.

[3] Parkes, as a supporter of same-sex marriage,[4] has been criticised within the church for his stance.

[5] In December 2017, Parkes organised Anglican bishops to write to federal members of parliament, seeking that they pass the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, same-sex marriage legislation without stronger religious exemptions.

[6] Parkes retired on 21 December 2019[7] and was replaced as Bishop of Wangaratta by Clarence Bester.

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