Constitutional and electoral law experts say there would be no conflict of interest if Governor-General Quentin Bryce was called on to decide the outcome of the federal election.

Ms Bryce is the mother-in-law of Labor powerbroker Bill Shorten, and has asked for legal advice in light of concerns about her independence as Labor negotiates with independent MPs to try to gain her approval to form a government.

But University of Queensland law professor Graeme Orr says it is not the first time a Governor-General has had close ties to a member of parliament.

"In recent history we've had governors-general [who] were parachuted fresh from the political ministry into the position," he said.

"You can think of Bill Hayden, and before him Sir Paul Hasluck and Baron Casey on the Liberal side."

Australian Catholic University vice-chancellor and authority on constitutional law Greg Craven says Ms Bryce's relationship with Mr Shorten is relatively distant.

"The reality is we've had far more intense relationships in the past. Sir Paul Hasluck and Bill Hayden have been former cabinet ministers in political parties after which they've been presided as governor-general," he said.

"Now that's a far more proximate, in a sense, troubling relationship to a political party ... this is a complete storm in a teacup and should be really treated as such."

But law professor and prominent monarchist David Flint says Ms Bryce has made the right move in seeking advice.

"This is a normal thing to do and it is appropriate that she seeks separate opinion so that she can see how she should act in the future," he said.

University of New South Wales law professor George Williams does not see a conflict either, but agrees it is wise to seek advice.

"Any risk of a conflict needs to be dealt with because there ought not to be any distraction from the main game, the politics that needs to be worked out, and we don't want any suggestion if she has to make a major decision that it's in anyway inappropriately influenced," he said.

Professor Williams says a conflict of interest is unlikely.

"My view is that it's actually very unlikely there will be a conflict of interest," he said.

"That's because I don't think it likely that the Governor-General will need to make a decision in this instance.

"I think that the laws and conventions are clear and in fact it's parliament that indicates the outcome by determining who gets that 76-seat majority.

"There are, however, some very unlikely scenarios that could mean she'll make a major decision, that she'll have to intervene."

He says if it did get that far, someone could be appointed to make the decision on Ms Bryce's behalf.

"An administrator could be appointed and that would mean someone like Marie Bashir - the senior Governor from New South Wales - could act and make the decision on her behalf," he said.

Late last year Mr Shorten married the Governor-General's daughter, Chloe Bryce.

Mining magnate Clive Palmer is among those who have questioned the Governor-General's ability to remain impartial.