"I will leave that for others to judge. But at the end of the day Peta works incredibly hard and it is a tough job," she says when pressed about Ms Credlin's professional performance.

In a feature and photo spread set to be published in an upcoming issue of The Australian Women's Weekly on Thursday, Mrs Abbott is also philosophical about Tony Abbott's political future and speaks of her reluctance at being referred to as 'the First Lady'.

"I wouldn't say it's a role I relish," she says of her role as 'Prime Minister's wife'. 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."

When asked if the Prime Minister was to be "turfed from office" she says it would be a readjustment for the family but not something that keeps the couple, who walked the Kokoda Track together soon after they met in 1987, up at night.

"Well it would be hard," she says. "Life presents one with all kinds of challenges. Certainly [if Abbott was no longer Prime Minister], 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, who has been more visible at the Prime Minister's official public engagements this year, is also no longer managing a childcare centre on Sydney's affluent north shore.

"Childcare is the key to a woman going back to the workforce," she says, successfully navigating questions about the Coalition's restructured paid parental leave policy.

The 57-year-old mother of three daughters also talks about her new hobby – cycling – which led to her recent 20-kilogram weight loss, something her doctor recommended.

"Concerned that being 50-plus, menopausal and gradually putting on weight as she got older, Margie says her doctor warned her she was in danger of developing Type II diabetes unless she lost weight," the feature says.

Speaking on Melbourne Radio 3AW on Wednesday Mr Abbott glossed over magazine interview and said he was very much determined to continue in the job.

"Well Margie's not the politician I am," Mr Abbott told host Neil Mitchell.

"I'm very honoured and exhilarated to have the life to do and I want to keep doing it," he said.

When asked to confirm his wife's admission that he enjoys a spa with "hot rocks," Mr Abbott laughed nervously.

"Bit of masochist in there Prime Minister?" Queried Mitchell?

"All these family secrets, best left unsaid," Mr Abbott finally responded.

with Latika Bourke