He left the farm and decide to move to Sydney so he could work in the Customs Department. Parkes always had an interest in politics and thought this would be perfect start to his career.
Over the next few years Parkes went into business for himself and at one stage owned the Empire newspaper. He was elected into parliament and through this period became an influential person in the community, playing a major role in the cease of transportation of convicts to Australia.
Eventually Parkes went bankrupt and narrowly escaped fraud charges as his debts exceeded 48,500 pounds (approximately $100,000). This forced him to retire from politics.
Parkes managed to pay off his debts after turning to old friends and relying on their support was re-elected. Parkes became a strong supporter of land and educational reform, free trade and immigration. Parkes was not receiving any money during this time because politicians didn’t get paid in this era of time. This meant Parkes was finding it hard to live.
All this time, Parkes had left his wife and five children at Werrington (near Penrith). Mrs Parkes was often short of money and frequently besieged by creditors. An insolent and disobedient man managed the property she lived on and the property went downhill. Mrs Parkes was lonely and expressed her feelings through numerous letters to Henry.
Meanwhile, Parkes had ventured upon another business plan but it also had failed, causing him to go bankrupt again. Parkes remained in parliament through these tough times and introduced the Public Schools Act in 1866. This gave power to the Goveerment to train, appoint and dismiss teachers. He also introduced the Hospital Act providing Government inspection, supervision and appointment of trained nurses to Hospitals.
He was forced to resign because of insolvency, but in 1871 returned as the Member for Mudgee. This was the start of the golden age of his political career. People listened to him all the time because he was a good speaker, a good actor and his long white hair and beard gave him an apostolic look. Parkes also believed the voters should feel that they are the “Man of the Hour”. During this period, he introduced the Public Instruction Act which abolished state aid for denominational schools.
Parkes’ Ministry is best remembered for his fiery and impassioned support for the Federation of Australian Colonies, making a famous speech at the School of Arts, Tenterfield on 24 October 1889.
Parkes faced personal tragedy and criticism after marrying Eleanor Dixon in 1889, about a year after the death of Clarinda. This marriage was never recognized by his family. Eleanor died in 1895, leaving Parkes with young children. Parkes was in declining mental and physical health. He then married Julia Lynch who nursed him until his death on 27 April 1896. He was 80 years and 11 months.
