Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed he was sounded out for the position of ambassador to Washington ahead of the leadership coup that propelled him into power.

In a wide-ranging commercial radio interview this morning Mr Turnbull was questioned about the Fairfax Media report that he was offered the high-level diplomatic posting earlier this year.

"The answer is I was," Mr Turnbull said. "I declined."

Mr Turnbull said he was not interested in the position and was committed to living in Australia.

"Regardless of whether I was the Prime Minister or whatever my situation is, I cannot imagine circumstance where I would want to be an ambassador," he said.

"With all due respects to ambassadors, they do a fantastic job. It's not my cup of tea, I'm very committed to living in Australia."

Former treasurer Joe Hockey, who was dumped from that position when Mr Turnbull took the reins, has been mooted to take on the role when former Labor leader Kim Beazley finishes up later this year.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is also considering his future in parliament but says he will not make any decisions until after Christmas.

Mr Abbott has been active on social media, posting images of his visit to a school in his electorate.

"I was really impressed with the way that students and teachers at Seaforth Public School have come together after a fire recently burnt down five classrooms," he posted on Facebook.