One of Western Australia's longest serving resources sector representatives, David Parker, has quit his role as a director of leading industry lobby group the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy.
Mr Parker said that after six years with the chamber he had decided to look at other opportunities, including the possibility of working for himself or one of the many companies in the sector.
Prior to joining the WA chapter CME, Mr Parker spent five years with the Australian Gas Association.
Before working for industry bodies, he sought a career in politics, running as a Liberal candidate for the state seat of Kimberley 1996.
Mr Parker said he wouldn't rule out a career in politics but that it was not on his horizon in the medium term because he has a young family.
His departure follows the exit of CME CEO Tim Shanahan last year to take on a newly created role at the University of Western Australia heading its thrust into resources-focused education.
Mr Shanahan was succeeded by CME programs and member services director Reg Howard-Smith.
Mr Parker, who finished as external relations director at the CME on Friday, was also touted as a potential replacement for Mr Shanahan but he said he did not put his hand up for the role because he felt he would have had to give a five-year commitment to the CME.
He said that serving too long in one place was risky.
"The risk you become too institutionalised," Mr Parker said. "You have to get out of these jobs when you are having fun."
