Attorney-General Christian Porter says he is convinced about the "achievability" of passing a religious discrimination bill – despite widespread criticism from church and community groups about his draft plans, and predictions from key crossbencher Rex Patrick that the controversial "can of worms" will never become law.

Mr Porter told The Sun-Herald and Sunday Age that submissions he had received from churches and other stakeholders in response to his draft bill "confirm for me the achievability of the project".

Attorney-General Christian Porter is working on amendments to his religious discrimination bill. Credit:AAP

Religious discrimination laws have been one of the Morrison government's top policy priorities in the wake of the election. But when asked Mr Porter did not confirm he would introduce the bill to Parliament in October as planned, saying "the intention remains to introduce the bill as soon as those submissions have been considered".

Privately, some religious groups predict the government will run out of time to bring the bill to a vote this year despite the Coalition earlier flagging a result by Christmas.