Extend Cosgrove's term as GG: Abbott

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has dismissed calls he should be made governor-general, instead saying Sir Peter Cosgrove's term should be extended.

Mr Abbott said Sir Peter was doing a wonderful job.

"I want to continue to make a contribution to our public life in parliament," Mr Abbott told 2GB Radio.

He enjoyed the freedom of speaking out as a backbencher.

Earlier, Malcolm Turnbull shrugged off a "fascinating" suggestion to put his predecessor forward as the Queen's representative.

The prime minister insisted he was loath to speculate on vice-regal matters but the idea proved News Corp columnist Miranda Devine was "as original and creative as ever".

"You never, ever speculate on vice-regal matters, even if it's as fascinating a suggestion as Miranda has made," he told the Seven Network on Wednesday.