The Morrison government is running out of time to settle a heated dispute over religious freedom, casting new doubt over whether a Religious Discrimination Act can be put in place before the next election.

The government is aiming to release its plan for religious protection by the end of the year but has little time to legislate the full package amid concerns about the scale of the reforms and any impact on personal freedom.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a CWA hall meeting in Maroochydore during a four-day tour of Queensland. Credit:AAP

Safeguards for gay students in religious schools are being given priority in the hope of passing these amendments through Parliament by December 6, the last sitting day for the year.

The remainder of the package, including the vexed issue of protections for gay teachers in religious schools, may not be decided before this Parliament comes to an end, depending on the timing of the election.