NDIS Managers’ Unfair Dismissal Bid Fails Amidst Financial Misconduct Allegations
Two senior managers within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sector have had their claims of unfair dismissal rejected. The couple, who held key positions at Assure Ability, allegedly misused hundreds of thousands of dollars in company funds, leading to their termination.
Tamanna Rahman, formerly the HR/IT manager, and her husband, Talat Mahmud, the operations manager, were dismissed last May following allegations of misconduct. A board meeting convened by CEO Mohammad Sharier led to their abrupt departure.
Findings of Misconduct and Unfounded Dismissal Claims
In a decisive ruling, Fair Work Commissioner Adam Walkaden determined that Assure Ability had substantial grounds for dismissing the pair and found no evidence to support their claims of being unfairly targeted. Both individuals were reportedly earning matching salaries of $70,875, a detail Commissioner Walkaden noted as unusual, particularly given Mr. Mahmud’s senior operational role.
Evidence presented indicated Ms. Rahman’s responsibilities expanded significantly after her initial role in IT support and website design through her company, Digi Tech Lab. She was later elevated to the position of HR and IT director.
During proceedings, Mr. Sharier presented accusations of widespread fraud, theft, and dishonesty against the couple. Assure Ability, based in Hurstville, south of Sydney, provides essential in-home, respite, community, and supported living services to individuals with disabilities.
Allegations of Fund Misappropriation
Specific accusations included Ms. Rahman allegedly selling one of Assure Ability’s vehicles for $2,000 and depositing the funds directly into her personal bank account. The company’s operations, which involve leasing Sydney properties for supported independent living and specialist disability accommodation, also came under scrutiny.
The commission heard that Mr. Mahmud allegedly approved nearly $190,000 in payments to Grey Wall, a maintenance company owned by his acquaintance, SK Rezaul Karim, over a seven-month period for handyman services. Mr. Mahmud contended that Mr. Karim performed weekend work while also being employed by Assure Ability during weekdays.
However, Commissioner Walkaden expressed skepticism, stating, “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.” The Commissioner concluded, “At best, Mr. Mahmud was clearly incompetent… at worst, Mr. Mahmud was complicit in a scheme.”
Data Deletion and Conflict of Interest
Further complicating matters, the commission was informed that while on leave, the couple allegedly deleted crucial company data, including invoices, expenditure records, and personal information, shortly after Mr. Sharier requested increased oversight via a WhatsApp message. Upon recovery, some of the deleted data contained invoices from companies reportedly owned by the couple.
Commissioner Walkaden rejected Ms. Rahman’s explanation for deleting the data, finding that her actions were intended to conceal wrongdoing and that she was “attempting to hide behind a purported illness or injury.”
Claims that the couple suffered financial and reputational damage were dismissed. Commissioner Walkaden stated, “Any financial and reputational harm… is entirely self-inflicted. Their conduct was serious and destructive of the trust placed in them. Consequently, I am not satisfied that they have been unfairly dismissed.”
Additional Financial Irregularities
The ruling also revealed that Mr. Mahmud had registered a separate business, Ability R Us, which billed Assure Ability approximately $90,000 over two years. While the failure to deliver services could not be definitively proven, allegations regarding Ms. Rahman’s firm, Digi Tech Lab, receiving over $650,000 while she was employed by Assure Ability were also not substantiated. Nevertheless, a clear conflict of interest was identified.
The Commissioner also acknowledged evidence of a $25,000 payment made to Mr. Mahmud, described as an “advance given to director,” which was neither repaid nor authorized by Dr. Sharier. This unexplained payment, lacking written documentation, further diminished Mr. Mahmud’s credibility.
Concerns were also raised about Mr. Mahmud’s extended absences overseas, which spanned several months during his tenure. However, the Commissioner found no evidence that these absences impacted his ability to perform his duties remotely.
Past Praises and Current Endeavors
In a notable turn of events, Assure Ability had publicly lauded Mr. Mahmud just months prior, expressing excitement about his appointment to a director role and commending him as a “dedicated and accomplished professional.”
The couple, who joined the company in 2019 and 2022 respectively, were both terminated on the same day in May 2025. Months after her dismissal, Ms. Rahman shared a positive outlook on social media, expressing gratitude for being a founding member of Forbes Australia Women. Her post reflected on her experiences building businesses and supporting individuals within the NDIS sector.
Ms. Rahman’s current LinkedIn profile lists her as CEO and founder of Avion Care, where she appears to actively engage with NDIS clients and promote her developed “smart virtual receptionist” computer program to NDIS providers.
Prior to his tenure at Assure Ability, Mr. Mahmud accumulated experience in banking and disability services, including developing Simply Helping Sydney West and working as a mortgage broker. He also served as a senior banker at ANZ Banking Group from 2008 to 2015. His current LinkedIn profile describes him as a “global entrepreneur” focused on addressing skilled worker shortages by preparing Bangladeshi talent for international roles through comprehensive training and industry-based development. Mr. Mahmud has expressed a strong commitment to initiatives supporting people with disabilities.
