Margie Abbott fine with post-PM life

Margie Abbott says she's comfortable with the possibility of her husband no longer being prime minister.

In an interview with Australian Women's Weekly, to be published on Wednesday, Mrs Abbott says she's struggled with the role she has held since her husband's September 2013 election win.

"I wouldn't say it's a role I relish," she says.

"It's a role I am delighted to be able to do, but when I don't have to do it, that's fine too."

She tells the magazine that both she and her husband would take a realistic approach if the Liberal leadership changed hands.

"Life presents one with all kinds of challenges. Certainly (if Tony were no longer PM), it would be a new chapter, but new chapters are different, new chapters can be energising, they can test you.

"So I think I would view it in that way, and I think Tony would too."

Mrs Abbott also praises the work of her husband's chief of staff Peta Credlin, who has faced criticism from within the Liberal Party for her management style.

"At the end of the day Peta works incredibly hard and it is a tough job," Mrs Abbott says.

The magazine also reveals the story of the couple's first date after Mr Abbott left the Catholic seminary.