 When Chaney retired in 1993, John Hewson had unexpectedly led the Coalition to defeat at that year's election and there is a perception that Chaney could have succeeded him as Liberal leader if he hadn't decided to retire.Chaney was appointed to the National Native Title Tribunal in 1994, initially on a part-time basis.He became a full-time member in 1995 and deputy president in 2000, retiring in 2007.