Until recently it was of course a very familiar sight to see Bishop strolling in with whoever the Liberal leader happened to be. But since last year's turmoil, the former deputy leader has assumed an uncharacteristically humble spot on the sidelines.

The second ripple came as Question Time ended: instead of the usual stampede from the chamber, both sides of the House of Representatives stayed put, watching. And the member for Curtin asked to speak on indulgence.

It's been one of the big unanswered questions that have lingered since the bizarro upheavals of last year: what would Bishop do?

"During the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to closely consider the future of the Coalition government and the pending general election," a perfectly poised Bishop began, leading some to wonder if she was actually about to go out swinging.

But the former foreign minister swerved just in time, telling Parliament it had become clear Scott Morrison would win the election and it was now OK for her to go.

Speaking without notes, in a suffragette-white dress, Bishop spoke of her achievements since she first came to Canberra in 1998.

"It has been an immense honour to be the longest serving member for Curtin. And also to be the deputy leader of the Liberal Party."

Given the low - and ever dwindling - numbers of women in the party, Bishop was diplomatically pointy in her remarks about gender.

She told MPs she had been contacted by "extraordinary people, including women" to take over her seat (meaning: good women do exist out there, fellas). And that she was proud of the fact that she was the first women to contest a Liberal leadership ballot in the party's 75 year history (meaning: even if hardly any of you voted for me in August).

As she ended the speculation she had grander plans for her political career, she also had a big dig at Labor for "trashing" the nation's finances, described public office as "one of the highest callings" and promised to spend more time with her friends and family.

She then quickly gathered her belongings and accepted just a few hugs from nearby MPs. Heading for the nearest exit, she made a neat bow to Speaker Tony Smith.

By the time Morrison got to his feet to respond, Australia's first female foreign minister, cabinet minister to three prime ministers, and deputy Liberal leader for eleven years, was already out the door.