A Victorian teenager who was pushed to the brink of suicide has published a heartfelt video plea calling on the government to do more for victims of severe bullying.

Nathan Whitmore, 15, from Baxter, was a victim of homophobic bullying for two years while he attended Somerville Secondary College.

Now openly out as gay, Nathan says he suffered tremendous abuse at the hands of classroom bullies as he struggled to come to terms with his sexuality.

View photos Nathan Whitmore. Photo: Change.org More

Last September the bullying got so bad he was bashed with a skateboard and told by another boy he was 'top of his kill list' and would be stabbed to death.

After two years Nathan got to breaking point and attempted suicide, he was then admitted to hospital for help.

Now taking his first tentative steps towards recovery the teenager has started a Change.org petition which has attracted nearly 40,000 signatures.

It calls on Victoria Education minister James Merlino to provide bullied kids with free counselling with psychologists and psychiatrists.

View photos Nathan and his mum Cathilee. Photo: Facebook More

"I am a fifteen-year-old who tried to commit suicide after years of being bullied because I'm gay - I'm different.

"I was told by one boy that he was going to stab me to death and I was on the top of his kill list. My mum told the Principal and he found a machete in his locker. He only got a three day suspension and then all his friend's said I was going to get bashed for dobbing.

"I didn't go back to the school again after that.

View photos Nathan's mum sees the petition as part of his healing process. Photo: Change.org More

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