Backbencher role a noble calling: Abbott

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has declared it's a "noble calling" to serve as a backbench MP.

Mr Abbott intends to mull over his political future during the festive season with family, friends and trusted colleagues.

"To be a backbench member of parliament it is a noble calling... to represent 100,000 people as I do, is a tremendous honour and there would be nothing wrong continuing to do that," he told 2GB Radio on Friday.

Mr Abbott said he was determined to do what he could to serve the people of his electorate and Australia for the rest of the parliamentary term.

But he remained tight-lipped about what his plans were for 2016, saying: "Whether that's the ultimate decision time will tell".