Tony Abbott has vowed to serve a full term in office if re-elected on July 2, but insists a return to the frontbench would be a matter for the prime minister.
His promise came after a presidential re-election campaign launch on Sydney's northern beaches, where Mr Abbott said Australians would be voting on his legacy as well as Malcolm Turnbull's.
"We scrapped the carbon tax, we scrapped the mining tax ... we worked at home and abroad to keep this country safe in the face of challenges we have not seen for at least a generation," the former prime minister told supporters in Queenscliff on Sunday.
"So yes, this is my legacy, this is Malcolm Turnbull's legacy, and that's why it's so important that we re-elect a coalition government on July 2."
Later, Mr Abbott insisted his constituents, the coalition and his country came first.
"I'm not stamping my feet, shaking my dummy, saying 'I demand a frontbench role'. I'm not doing that," he told Sky News.
"I want the people of Warringah to know my focus is them - my focus is not angling for something after the election.
"It's not a question of my expectations, it's a question of what is going to best help the (coalition's) campaign. It's not about me ... it's about the party, the government and ultimately, the country."
Mr Turnbull didn't attend his colleague's surf life saving club launch.
"I'm looking forward to campaigning with him in Warringah - that would be delightful," Mr Turnbull told reporters in southwest Sydney.
"I might paddle my kayak across the harbour to join him."
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said at least Mr Abbott was consistent.
"Malcolm Turnbull is coming in the back door - by stealth," he told reporters on the NSW north coast.
"(Mr Abbott) seems to keep popping up, much to Malcolm Turnbull's annoyance."
