Prime Minister Julia Gillard says a Labor government would spend $277 million to help Australians at risk of suicide, with a priority on providing services for men.

Ms Gillard outlined the policy in a speech in Brisbane today.

She said the funds would be spent to provide frontline services such as crisis intervention as well as suicide prevention programs, phone counselling services, and respite care for carers.

She also indicated that the Government would be willing to pursue a five- to 10-year plan for mental health.

"Mental health will be a second term priority for the Government," she said.

Ms Gillard said she had "cast a fresh eye" over the health agreement made at COAG under then-prime minister Kevin Rudd, who was criticised for an alleged lack of action on mental health issues.

"I do believe we can do more, and we should do more," she said."Every suicide is a tragedy."

Around 12,500 Australians most at risk of suicide would be able to access counselling services while severely mentally ill people could get day-to-day assistance.

The Lifeline counselling hotline would be expanded so people to accept toll-free calls from mobile phones.

The Beyond Blue organisation would also be given funds to target men with depression and various programs would also be made available to students through schools.

Ms Gillard also used the speech to attack Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's health record while making a case for the Government's reforms agreed to at COAG.

"August 21 [the election date] stands between us and these goals," she said.

Mr Rudd's stance on mental health services was put under the spotlight when the Government's top mental health adviser quit his position in June.

John Mendoza accused the Government of of a lack of vision and commitment to the sector.

The Coalition sought to capitalise on the criticism at the time by announcing it would provide $1.5 billion to fund 20 early psychosis intervention centres, 800 sub-acute care beds, and 60 additional centres for the youth "Headspace" program.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is campaigning in Mackay in northern Queensland this morning.