Federal Member for Bowman, Henry Pike MP, 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.”
Mr Pike said he will 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.
