Mr Abbott, a staunch Catholic and monarchist who doesn't support gay marriage, said "it's more than appropriate for the governor-general approaching the end of her term to express a personal view."
"And as you'd expect of Quentin Bryce, she did it in graceful style," he told reporters.
When asked whether Ms Bryce's comments had swayed his view, Mr Abbott offered a vague answer.
"Different people have different views on these subjects. She was expressing her view, others express their views."
