What’s happening?
Federal Member for Bowman, Henry Pike, has welcomed his appointment as Shadow Assistant Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health in Angus Taylor’s new Shadow Ministry.
Mr Pike said he was honoured to take on two portfolios that go to the heart of how Australia supports its most vulnerable.
“When Angus asked me what policy challenge I wanted to tackle, I didn’t hesitate. I said the NDIS,” Mr Pike said.
“The NDIS is one of the most important social reforms in Australian history. But as the scheme approaches its thirteenth year, it is in a critical and formative phase. The habits it locks in now will shape it for decades.”
Mr Pike said the NDIS now faces a clear crossroads.
“The NDIS can become a free-for-all that leaves participants exposed and taxpayers paying the price. Or it can become a rigid bureaucracy that crushes dignity under paperwork and delay. It must instead become what it was meant to be: a sustainable, rules-based insurance scheme that delivers real outcomes.”
He said he would use his new role to hold the Government to account for growing red tape and its failure to deliver meaningful reform.
“The NDIS is being strangled by red tape that is costing participants, providers, and taxpayers. Instead of empowering people, the system is too often forcing them into delays and confusion.”
Mr Pike said his additional appointment as Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health reflects the urgency of fixing a system that too often leaves Australians behind.
“Too many Australians are stuck on waiting lists, priced out of care, or falling through the cracks between Commonwealth and state systems.”
“Labor talks a lot about mental health, but too often delivers bureaucracy instead of access.”
Mr Pike said he looks forward to working with Mr Taylor and the Shadow Ministerial team to develop serious policy reforms that protect vulnerable Australians while restoring trust, sustainability and accountability.
Why it matters
The NDIS is described by Mr Pike as one of the most important social reforms in Australian history. As it nears its thirteenth year, he said decisions made now will shape how the scheme operates for decades.
He argues the scheme must avoid two extremes, becoming either a free-for-all or a rigid bureaucracy. Instead, he said it should operate as a sustainable, rules-based insurance model that delivers real outcomes.
On mental health, Mr Pike highlighted waiting lists, rising costs and gaps between Commonwealth and state systems. He said reform is urgent to ensure Australians are not left behind.
By the numbers
The timing of this appointment comes as key milestones and structural pressures face both portfolios.
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The NDIS is approaching its 13th year, a stage Mr Pike described as critical and formative for its long-term direction.
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Mr Pike has been appointed to 2 Shadow Assistant Minister roles, covering both the NDIS and Mental Health portfolios.
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The scheme stands at what he called a crossroads, with 2 possible paths outlined, a free-for-all or a rigid bureaucracy.
Zoom in
Mr Pike’s focus centres on red tape and system design. He said delays and paperwork are affecting participants, providers and taxpayers.
His comments stress accountability and sustainability, alongside practical outcomes for vulnerable Australians.
Zoom out
The NDIS and mental health systems sit at the centre of national debate about access, funding and reform. Both areas involve coordination between levels of government and long-term policy settings.
Mr Pike’s appointment places these issues firmly within the Shadow Ministry’s reform agenda.
What to look for next?
Mr Pike said he will work with Mr Taylor and the Shadow Ministerial team to develop serious policy reforms.
The emphasis, he said, will be on protecting vulnerable Australians while restoring trust, sustainability and accountability to both systems.
