OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten has pledged to halve Australia’s suicide rate.

Visiting Hobart on Friday morning, Mr Shorten said if the party won government it would roll out a mental health package aiming to reduce suicides by 50 per cent.

Mr Shorten said within 100 days of government the party would target regional areas to find mental health service gaps.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten talks mental health with female footballer Kelly Dixon in Hobart on Friday morning.

”Mental health is a major issue in Australia and we need to talk more about it,” Mr Shorten said.

Mr Shorten said 2500 Australians took their own life every year.

”Behind every number, there’s a human being and there’s a family member,” he said.

”All of us need to do more.”

If you need immediate assistance or support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

For further information about mental health and suicide contact the SANE Australia helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or www.sane.org or www.lifeline.org.au or talk to your local GP, health professional or someone you trust.