Former prime minister Tony Abbott has been appointed to the board of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

In his first official appointment since losing his seat of Warringah in the May 18 election, Mr Abbott will fill the vacancy left by the death of acclaimed author Les Carlyon.

Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester tells Karl Stefanovic he put Mr Abbott’s name forward for the role.

“Tony obviously is a keen war historian himself, he’s been heavily involved in supporting our veterans through his Pollie Pedal ride.

“Tony’s political career and his passion for our veterans stands him in good stead.”

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Image: Getty/Brook Mitchell