I've recently learned about a wonderful African concept: Ubuntu. It means 'I am what I am because of who we all are.' It speaks of being larger than an individual - being connected to others and part of a community. Ubuntu. Essentially, it means we can't be human by ourselves.

The Australian Greens will work with other parties in the new parliament to tackle suicide rates, especially in rural areas, says Australian Greens spokesperson for mental health Senator Penny Wright.

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, Senator Wright said research continued to show suicide rates were higher in rural and regional areas.

"Every suicide has a profound impact on families and whole communities. We all need to work urgently on reversing this devastating trend," Senator Wright said.

Tony Abbott's mental health policy is so small, it's an insult to the thousands of Australians living with mental ill-heath, says Australian Greens spokesperson for mental health Senator Penny Wright.

"Tony Abbott's announcement today is a huge disappointment," Senator Wright said.

"With the Coalition only delivering $23 million more over four years compared to Labor, the mental health policies of the old parties will not even scratch the surface of what is needed to improve outcomes for people with mental ill-health."

The Australian Greens' multi-million dollar commitment boosting mental health research, primary care and suicide prevention will ensure all Australians can access quality care, say Senator Penny Wright and ACT Senate candidate Simon Sheikh.

Today's announcement of a further $547.4 million for mental health services brings the total of Australian Greens' mental health policy commitments to $1.1 billion, following the rural mental health package announced last week.

A caring society looks after everyone. Right now our mental health system is under pressure to provide care for all who need it.

Our plan for mental health will invest in quality mental health services so all Australians can get the help they need, when they need it.

We know that 45% of Australians will experience mental ill-health at some stage in their lives. That's why we need a strong mental health system to respond to the needs of Australians who are negotiating the challenges of mental illness. 

The Australian Greens' plan to  invest more than half a billion dollars in mental health services across rural and regional Australia will save lives and build stronger communities, say Senators Penny Wright and Peter Whish-Wilson.

Launching the party's rural mental health policy in Launceston today, Australian Greens' mental health spokesperson Senator Wright said the policy was based on recommendations sought directly from rural communities.

"Years of under-investment in rural mental health continues to cost lives all across country Australia," Senator Wright said.

One in five Australians experience mental ill-health in any year. The consequences of mental ill-health in rural and regional areas are far greater than in urban areas given that access to mental health services is substantially lower.

Over 30% of Australians live in rural areas but they have limited access to essential health services compared to their urban counterparts. The Greens believe that this inequity must be addressed.

The Greens spokesperson for Mental Health, Senator Penny Wright, is pleased to launch the Report "Voices and experiences: Improving mental health services in country Australia:"

The report is the result of extensive consultation with frontline rural mental health workers, service providers, consumers and their families. Senator Wright toured regional Australia during 2012 and 2013, visiting 24 towns across six states.