Transgender activist Georgie Stone has called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to change his tone on LGBTIQ issues, saying his reference to "gender whisperers" in schools and dismissal of efforts at trans inclusion are damaging his plan to reduce the nation's suicide rate.

The 19-year-old, who will be announced on Wednesday as a new spokesperson for Headspace, a non-profit youth mental health organisation, said the Prime Minister's comments about transgender issues were "really disappointing" and contributed to the stigma that put trans Australians at a higher risk of mental illness.

Transgender activist and Headspace ambassador Georgie Stone has called for a change of tone from the PM. Joe Armao

"It's ironic that his government are committed to eradicating mental illness and yet they perpetuate those same mindsets and ideals that are the reason that the statistics are so horrible," Ms Stone said.

"If they actually want to do what they're setting out to do, they need to look at themselves and their own attitudes and see what the message is that they are promoting and the effects that's having."

She said official data showing that LGBTIQ people between the ages of 16 and 27 are five times more likely to attempt suicide - and transgender people over 18 are nearly 11 times more likely - was "just devastating".

In response to Ms Stone's comments, Mr Morrison said: "The tragedy of youth suicide is all too common in Australia, particularly amongst younger Australians working through their identity and the pressures of identity politics."

Headspace national clinical advisor Nick Duigan said while being a part of the LGBTIQ community was not in itself a risk factor for mental health problems, stressors commonly experienced by these young people - such as discrimination, transphobia and homophobia - increased their vulnerability to depression, psychological distress, self harm and attempted suicide.

Since he swept the Coalition to electoral victory in May, Mr Morrison has identified youth suicide as a key focus of his government and directed the National Mental Health Commission to create a children's mental health strategy, a draft of which is due next July.

In the May budget, the government increased funding to Headspace by $263.3 million over seven years, including funding to open 30 new centres and reduce waiting lists for services.

But LGBTIQ advocates remain frustrated by his handling of transgender issues.

Health Minister Greg Hunt and Prime Minister Scott Morrison have both committed to reducing the suicide rate. Paul Jeffers

Last year, Mr Morrison tweeted that "we do not need gender whisperers in our schools" and refused to back a national inquiry into gay conversion therapy, saying it was not an issue for him - although it later emerged the government had promised to work with the states to stamp out the practice.

In August, he dismissed Cricket Australia's guidelines for transgender people wanting to play in community-based games as "heavy-handed" and "mystifying" and ordered the removal of a gender-neutral toilet sign at his departmental office, saying it was "not necessary".

Ms Stone said adults - including parents, teachers and the Prime Minister - must take responsibility for shifting the tone so that young people in distress would feel safe enough to ask for help.

"Really what needs to be done is creating an environment where young people feel supported in reaching out, so they can talk to someone about what they're feeling and not get rejected because of it."

Mr Morrison said his government was "putting serious resources into a serious policy agenda to combat youth suicide in Australia", including expanding services like Headspace.

"We will continue to deliver on this agenda and address the health issues and anxieties that young people face," he said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government "recognises the impact of mental health issues and suicide in the LGBTIQ community and funds a number of programs specific to their needs".

Ms Stone said she would "love to sit down and talk with the Prime Minister" and "share some things I've learned".

"I think he needs to meet some trans young people," she said. "They're the key to changing hearts and minds."

The Prime Minister did not respond to Ms Stone's invitation to meet.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 , Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.