03:32

The Coalition has suggested it will work to discourage gay conversion therapy just a day after Scott Morrison poured cold water on Labor’s push to stamp the practice out.

In a response to peak LGBTIQ group Equality Australia, the Morrison government has committed to work with the states “to ensure such practices are not supported or occurring”.

On Tuesday Labor promised to work with the states to introduce a national ban on gay conversion therapy.

Asked about the policy, Morrison told Sky News: “I don’t support gay conversion therapy, don’t recommend it, never have, but it’s ultimately a matter for the states.

“I think we should focus on the things we actually have control over and that’s taxes. I’m looking to lower taxes.”

But in its response to Equality Australia, signed by the Liberal federal director, Andrew Hirst, the Coalition went further, stating that “the use of conversion therapy has long been discredited with no scientific or medical evidence to support its use”.

“The Morrison government remains committed to addressing the mental health of all Australians, including the LGBTI community, and this also relates to opposition to gay conversion therapy,” it said.

“The government will work with the states, which have legal responsibility in this area, to ensure such practices are not supported or occurring.”

Equality Australia also asked the major parties about Safe Schools, offshore detention and a range of other LGBTIQ issues.