 He was elected Deputy Leader as part of the successful coup that saw Andrew Peacock overthrowing John Howard.This was seen as a betrayal by Howard as he and Chaney had been close friends prior to the coup.Chaney was Minister for Administrative Services from August to December 1978, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs from December 1978 until November 1980 and Minister for Social Security from November 1980 until the defeat of the Fraser Government at the 1983 election.