His father had intended to be associated with land dealings with Thomas Peel on behalf of some English investors.

After several years, the family moved to York, Western Australia, where they established a 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) property called Northbourne.

In (about) 1874, he was appointed as a nominee member of the Legislative Council by Governor Sir William Robinson and held the position for eight years.

After his retirement, he became a member of the Aborigines Protection Board and was a trustee of the Church of England diocese in Western Australia.

Their son, Stephen Henry Parker (1846–1927), served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia from 1906 to 1914.