NDIS Executives Fired After Alleged Fund Misappropriation
Two senior executives at the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider Assure Ability have had their unfair dismissal claims dismissed, following allegations of misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars in company funds. The married couple, HR/IT manager Tamanna Rahman and operations manager Talat Mahmud, were terminated in May of last year for alleged misconduct detailed during a board meeting convened by CEO Mohammad Sharier.
Ruling Finds Valid Grounds for Termination
In a decisive ruling, Fair Work Commissioner Adam Walkaden found that Assure Ability had substantial reasons to dismiss the pair, rejecting their assertions of being unfairly targeted. The commissioner noted the unusual coincidence of both employees being on contracts valued at $70,875 annually, particularly given Mr. Mahmud’s senior operational role. He also highlighted Ms. Rahman’s transition to HR and IT director after initially providing IT support and website design services through her own company, Digi Tech Lab.
Fraud and Dishonesty Allegations Detailed
During proceedings, Mr. Sharier presented accusations of widespread fraud, theft, and dishonesty against the couple. These allegations pertained to the company’s operations, which include providing in-home, respite, community, and supported living services to individuals with disabilities. Ms. Rahman was specifically accused of selling one of Assure Ability’s vehicles for $2,000 and depositing the proceeds into her personal bank account.
Questionable Payments and Data Deletion
The scrutiny extended to financial transactions, with evidence presented that Mr. Mahmud approved nearly $190,000 in payments to Grey Wall, a maintenance company owned by his friend SK Rezaul Karim, over a seven-month period for handyman services. While Mr. Mahmud claimed Mr. Karim performed weekend work alongside his duties at Assure Ability, Commissioner Walkaden expressed skepticism. The commissioner stated, “I am satisfied that the payment of $189,566 in a seven-month period to a ‘handyman’ that only worked weekends on properties that were leased, and not owned, was either massively inflated and/or that such work was simply not performed.” He concluded that at best, Mr. Mahmud demonstrated incompetence, and at worst, he was complicit in a scheme.
Further complicating matters, the commission heard that following Mr. Sharier’s request for increased oversight via WhatsApp, the couple, while on leave, reportedly deleted critical company data, including invoices, expenditure records, and personal information. Upon recovery of some of this data, invoices from companies linked to the couple were discovered. Commissioner Walkaden rejected Ms. Rahman’s explanations, finding that the data deletion was intended to conceal wrongdoing, and she was “attempting to hide behind a purported illness or injury.”
Conflict of Interest and Unrepaid Advances
The ruling also addressed allegations that Mr. Mahmud’s separate business, Ability R Us, billed Assure Ability approximately $90,000 over two years, though claims of undelivered services could not be substantiated. Similarly, while allegations of Ms. Rahman’s firm, Digi Tech Lab, receiving over $650,000 during her tenure at Assure Ability were not proven, a significant conflict of interest was identified. Additionally, a $25,000 payment to Mr. Mahmud, described as an “advance given to director,” was found to be unrepaid and unapproved by Dr. Sharier, further diminishing Mr. Mahmud’s credibility.
Dismissal of Financial and Reputational Harm Claims
Claims by the couple that they suffered financial and reputational damage were dismissed outright by Commissioner Walkaden. “Any financial and reputational harm… is entirely self-inflicted,” he stated. “Their conduct was serious and destructive of the trust placed in them. Consequently, I am not satisfied that they have been unfairly dismissed.”
Background and Post-Termination Activities
Prior to these events, Mr. Mahmud had a career in banking and disability services, including roles at ANZ Banking Group and developing Simply Helping Sydney West. His current professional profile describes him as a “global entrepreneur” focused on preparing Bangladeshi talent for overseas roles, with a stated commitment to initiatives supporting people with disabilities.
Ms. Rahman, after her termination, expressed gratitude on social media for being a foundational member of Forbes Australia Women, reflecting on her experiences with Digi Tech Lab and supporting NDIS participants. Her current LinkedIn profile lists her as CEO and founder of Avion Care, where she appears to be actively managing NDIS clients and promoting a “smart virtual receptionist” program to NDIS providers.
The couple, who joined Assure Ability in 2019 and 2022 respectively, were dismissed on the same day in May 2025. Despite the circumstances of their departure, Assure Ability had publicly praised Mr. Mahmud months earlier, calling him a “dedicated and accomplished professional” upon his move to a director role.
