Vida Reid: How founder of WA-based NDIS provider Forward Focused Group came undone

As far as her employees were concerned, Vida Reid was the perfect boss. Day trips. Nights out. Long lunches. Some work days even spent in their pyjamas. But according to allegations being investigated by multiple agencies — and charges laid by WA Police — Ms Reid was using her position as the boss of NDIS provider Forward Focused Group to rip off the Commonwealth and bully those she claimed to be helping. Ms Reid this week made her first appearance in court, facing charges of fraud to an alleged value of nearly $250,000. But the 35 year-old’s appearance online, even up until last week, was one of prospering businesswoman, befitting the nomination she received for this year’s AusMumpreneur awards. Since its launch in 2020, Forward Focused Group has slickly presented itself as an NDIS provider with experience in the sector at its core. In her online biography, Ms Reid explained that her personal history — diagnosed with MS in 2008 and a son diagnosed with autism — left her “tired of watching other organisations drag their feet”. And that included loyal employees more than happy to espouse the virtues of the company, and the boss. “The coolest supportive encouraging friend/boss/manager/teacher/mentor and an amazing human being,” one wrote underneath a picture of a quad biking adventure. That image was important, with slick videos portraying other employees and ambassadors — which included nightclub bouncer turned heavyweight boxer Lucas ‘Big Daddy’ Browne, who became a regular attendee at recent functions. In those appearances, Mr Browne talks of him wanting to help men with mental issues battle through. On Saturday, various of Ms Reid’s social media posts were no longer available — following revelations of the high-level investigation into her business, which has had its registration suspended. “The suspension that took effect on 19 October 2022 was issued on grounds ... that Forward Focused Group Pty Ltd has breached the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and serves to mitigate any ongoing risks to NDIS participants, “the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission said. “Conduct identified includes non-compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct through a failure to act with respect for NDIS participants’ individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making, as well as act with integrity, honesty and transparency. “The NDIS Commission identified conduct involving threats, bullying and harassment of NDIS participants, as well as the submission of false claims for payment to the NDIS.” Ms Reid is scheduled to appear in court again in November.