Tony Abbott will join the high-powered board of the Australian War Memorial in the former prime minister's first official appointment since his political career ended at the May 18 election.

The Morrison government will on Tuesday announce his appointment to fill a vacancy left following the death of acclaimed author, historian and former editor of The Age, Les Carlyon, in March.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott will join the board of the Australian War Memorial. Credit:Karleen Minney

Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester said Mr Abbott would bring "dedication, passion and knowledge" with him as the Memorial undergoes a $500 million upgrade to tell the stories of more recent conflicts.

He said Mr Abbott had a long history and interest of supporting veterans and their families and his experience would ensure the stories from recent military conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and East Timor would be "proudly" told.