However Mr Corbett, who says he is "quite close" to Mr Abbott, praised the former Liberal leader's "very positive" contribution during the campaign and likened it to the contribution of John Howard. Tony Abbott with John and Janette Howard at the Coalition national campaign. Credit:Andrew Meares On Mr Abbott's future career, Mr Corbett said that "in the same way that [former Labor leader and US ambassador] Kim Beazley was treated with great respect by both sides, I hope the government treats him with the respect an ex-prime minister deserves". "There may well be a very appropriate appointment for him [Mr Abbott] in the future. When Alexander Downer finishes his appointment that might be a very good spot for Tony. Europe will be a very important posting in the next two to five years." Mr Downer, who was Australia's longest serving foreign minister and served alongside Mr Abbott in the Howard cabinet, was appointed as Australia's high commissioner to London in March 2014.

Ambassadors typically serve in postings for four to five years but this can be cut short by the prime minister of the day. Former prime minister Tony Abbott and wife Margie watch on as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull officially launches the Liberal 2016 federal campaign. Credit:Jason Edwards While Mr Corbett said Mr Abbott "could find a place in the business world" because he was a "man of immense ability", there were better ways for the former prime minister to serve Australia. "The best use of his talents is in the public arena, he should be representing Australia at a very high level," he said. Mr Turnbull greets Mr Abbott before the launch. Credit:Andrew Meares

"It's up to Tony at the end of the day." "The current government owes him. To be removed as prime minister is one of the most publicly humiliating things that anyone could have happen to them. He has handled it with great grace and dignity." After speculation last year that Mr Abbott might quit – and amid suggestions that Mr Turnbull had proposed the London job last year to his political rival – Mr Abbott renominated for his seat of Warringah in January. At the time, Mr Abbott said he had spoken to family, trusted colleagues and local Liberals and had been "heartened by the support and encouragement I've received to continue to serve the country as a member of Parliament".

He mentioned working with NSW Premier Mike Baird to improve local transport links as a priority after moving to the backbench. But during the 2016 election campaign, Mr Abbott has indicated he is willing to return to the frontbench. Mr Abbott has been tipped to face a scare in his seat in 2016, but he has campaigned for Liberal MPs in marginal seats across the country and argued for the re-election of Mr Turnbull and his government. Mr Turnbull has, however, said he does not plan to make changes to his frontbench if he wins the election on Saturday. A spokesman for Mr Abbott pointed out that the former leader has said publicly that staying in politics had been a line ball call but that, having decided to stand again for Warringah, he was committed to serving another three year term.