Doubt Abbott will be ambassador: Cormann

One of Tony Abbott's senior colleagues is very doubtful the former prime minister will become an ambassador or high commissioner if he retires.

The deposed Liberal leader is weighing up his future, but has indicated he won't make a decision before Christmas and is too young to retire.

Mathias Cormann refused to give Mr Abbott any advice, but told Sky News on Saturday: "I'd be very, very surprised if Tony Abbott had any interest whatsoever in being an ambassador or high commissioner somewhere overseas".