Background
Chaney was born in Fremantle, Western Australia and educated in state and Catholic schools.
Chaney was born in Fremantle, Western Australia and educated in state and Catholic schools.
Chaney was elected at the 1955 election as the Liberal member for the Australian House of Representatives seat of Perth, Western Australia. He was appointed Minister for the Navy in Robert Menzies" December 1963 ministry, but not sworn in until 4 March 1964, due to the need to pass legislation to enlarge the ministry. In the interim, on 10 February 1964 the Melbourne–Voyager collision took place, and Chaney was responsible for dealing with its repercussions.
He was not reappointed to Harold Holt"s second ministry in December 1966 and he was defeated at the 1969 election by Labor candidate, Joe Berinson.
Chaney was the Administrator of the Northern Territory from 1970 to 1973 and was a strong advocate for Aboriginal land rights. He was Lord Mayor of Perth from 1978 to 1982.
He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1970 and Knight Commander of the Order (Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1981.