Tony Abbott has continued to duck questions on a possible return to the frontbench if the coalition regains office at the July 2 election.
Mr Abbott says he's focused on securing infrastructure projects in his north Sydney electorate of Warringah, rather than publicly lobbying for a return to the ministry.
"I haven't asked to be put back onto the front bench. I'm not expecting to be put back onto the front bench," he told 2GB radio on Monday.
The former PM wouldn't say what he would do if given a tap on the shoulder, after it emerged Malcolm Turnbull could face pressure from the conservative coalition wing to offer Mr Abbott a frontbench position if the government is returned with a reduced majority.
"I'm hoping to be re-elected as the member for Warringah, and I'm expecting to do the best possible job for the people of Warringah," Mr Abbott said.
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"I guess in the party room I can be a standard bearer for what I regard as good, strong Liberal, conservative values."
Mr Abbott again flagged plans to patch up relations with former speaker Bronwyn Bishop.
"Yes, there's been some dirty water under the bridge lately, but hopefully friendship can be resumed at some appropriate point," he said.
Meanwhile, he heaped praise on former chief-of-staff Peta Credlin, insisting every government needs somebody like her on board.
"You need someone who is strong, who is focused, who is organised and who can say `no'," he said.
"John Howard had both Arthur Sinodinos and Tony Nutt, who did very important roles in his office, and I guess Peta Credlin had in a sense to be both Nutt and Sinodinos in my office."
However, he didn't extend the same pleasantries to former parliamentary foe, Clive Palmer.
"He's a quitter who didn't want to face the electors last time," Mr Abbott said.
"Whether it's the opportunity to get the public funding for any votes he gets over five per cent, whether it's, I guess, the desire for the limelight yet again, I think people are sick of princesses in parliament, frankly."
