'I know who I am': Abbott tells critics

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has dismissed his critics, insisting he's comfortable with who he is and what he's achieved.

In a wide-ranging interview on Sky News on Wednesday Night, Mr Abbott brushed off negative media reports as "dirty water under the bridge".

He's also never paid much attention to what people say about him on social media.

"I know who I am, I know what I've done, I know what I've achieved, I know what I think I can still achieve and I'm very comfortable in my own skin," he said.

When it comes to the question of what job he'll do after the election, Mr Abbott says he's content to be the member for Warringah.

"If there's anything else, fine - but I haven't asked for it, I'm not expecting it, I'm not looking for it."

Mr Abbott maintained his opposition to same-sex marriage but insisted conservatives would be better able to accept a change to the definition of marriage if it came from voters through a plebiscite rather than an "easily lobbied" parliament.

If the plebiscite was scrapped, voters would feel "ripped off".

He also raised concerns about Australians electing another Senate of "exhibitionist" independents, warning it was hindering governments from getting things done.

"If you've got all these people who revel in saying no because... that boosts their profile, this risks giving us in some respects, American-style government and in some respects even Italian-style government.

"We just don't want this kind of thing."

He lamented the lack of focus on national and border security during this election but credited Malcolm Turnbull with running a "statesman-like campaign".

He even dished out a compliment for Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, describing his campaign as "energetic".