Ms Bryce's daughter Chloe married the parliamentary secretary in November 2009 and they have a daughter Clementine.
The governor-general is seeking advice on any potential conflict of interest in case she must decide who forms the next government.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Australian Catholic University vice-chancellor Greg Craven said past governors general Sir Paul Hasluck and Bill Hayden had "far more proximate" relationships with cabinet ministers.
"The reality is we've had far more intense relationships in the past," he told ABC Radio.
"Against that, this is a complete storm in a teacup and it really should be treated as such."
NSW University's George Williams said he didn't see a conflict either, but thought it wise the governor-general was seeking advice.
"There ought not to be any distraction of the main game, the politics that needs to be worked out," he said.
In the case Ms Bryce could not make the call, an administrator such as NSW governor Marie Bashir could be appointed to make a decision on her behalf, Professor Williams said.
Labor frontbencher Craig Emerson said Ms Bryce had the highest integrity.
"I don't think anyone in Australia believes that there's a problem here," he told Sky News.
