Religious bill 'urgent' after Thorburn row

He opted to remain with the church after being told he was unable to serve as CEO while continuing as chair of City on a Hill.

He has since said he believed his Christian faith had been tagged as "unacceptable".

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the CEO's treatment was "disgraceful" and religious diversity needed to be accepted. 

Asked if the saga makes the case for a religious discrimination bill more urgent, he replied: "It absolutely does".

"We absolutely want to see this proceed," he told Sky News.

"There's a whole range of different faiths across Australia. Tolerance and diversity on these issues are enormously important.

"We do need to make sure we have legislation in place that protects citizens against situations like this."