leadership ballot unopposed and on 25 February 1988, Parker became Deputy Premier. After the 1989 election, he also became Treasurer. On 12 February 1990, Dowding was forced out of office amid the increasing trouble surrounding WA Inc and the impending federal election at which the party wanted to minimise any loss of seats. Parker was given a junior role (Resources, Trade and the Arts) in the succeeding Lawrence Ministry, but ultimately announced his intention to resign from parliament on 5 April 1990 and left on 26 April. The by-election to replace him resulted in a 7.6% two-party-preferred swing against the government, but left-wing union official Jim McGinty retained the seat for Labor. Parker's role in various decisions related to WA Inc while responsible for minerals and energy was investigated by the Royal Commission, which delivered its interim report on 19 October 1992. Parker was ultimately sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment on seven charges of misusing party campaign funds in late 1994. The conviction was ultimately quashed on appeal to the High Court of Australia. In 1996 he served six months of an 18-month sentence for perjury over evidence given to the Commission. In 1997, he moved permanently to Hong Kong and worked in various management roles in energy and chemical companies. References 1953 births Living people Deputy Premiers of Western Australia Members of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly Australian politicians convicted of crimes Australian Labor Party members of the Parliament of Western Australia