Chikarovski was educated at the Monte Sant" Angelo Mercy College, in North Sydney. She is a lawyer by training, having studied at the University of Sydney and after a brief career in private practice, went on to lecture part-time at the College of Law before entering parliament.
She served as Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2002. In 1992, she was appointed Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education (3 July 1992 – 26 May 1993). In 1993, she became Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment and Minister for The Status of Women (29 May 1993 – 4 April 1995).
She replaced Bruce Baird as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in December 1994 and held that post until the Liberal Party was defeated in 1995.
On 8 December 1998 she replaced Peter Collins as leader, but in 1999 she lost the state election to Labor Premier"s Bob Carr in a landslide. At the March 2003 election she retired from parliament.
Chikarovski is currently a lobbyist, political commentator, and ambassador for several charities, including the Young Women’s Christian Association Australia, The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. She is also chairperson of NSW Women"s Rugby, and was the second woman appointed to the board of NSW Rugby Union.
Chikarovski has substituted for Ita Buttrose on Morning television program Studio 10.
John Brogden, a member of her shadow cabinet, successfully challenged her and replaced her as leader on 28 March 2002.
