Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

Table of contents:

Message from the Assistant Director-General

I take this opportunity to thank all our partners for their contribution to the DS NMDS for 2002-03. Through your collective efforts the annual 2002-03 DS NMDS compliance rate for Queensland DS NMDS funded agencies was 93%. An excellent result for the first reporting period in which full year data has been collected.

Again, thank you for your assistance with the 2002-03 DS NMDS collection and I look forward to working in a constructive and positive partnership with the sector in the collection of data for 2003-04.

Brad Swan
Assistant Director-General
Corporate and Executive Services Directorate

QDT Version 2 Update

The new version (Version 2) of QDT is currently being site tested and will be ready for release in mid November 2003.

Commencing 2003-2004 Collection

REMINDER: First quarter (Jul - Sep) transmissions are due by 31 October 2003.

Please send clean data transmissions to DSQ as soon as possible. (See the Data Transmission and CLeaning Process outlined in the July 2003 Newsletter - Issue 9.)

2003-04 Materials - DS NMDS Resource Kit

DSQ is helping you keep your DS NMDS reference material together in one place by providing all 2003-04 materials in a folder marked "DS NMDS Resource Kit". The kit will include:

2003-04 Data Guide

  • Sample 2003-04 Service Type Outlet and Service User forms,
  • DS NMDS Quick Info Guide,
  • QDT software and User Manual (if your agency uses QDT).

You can also use the folder to store your: DS NMDS Newsletters, e-mails, responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs); and

all other NMDS instructional material, including your own agency guidelines.

The kit will be available from the end of November and will be supplied at QDT training, for those agencies that attend.
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Important

All agencies currently using QDT Version 1 must change over to QDT Version 2 prior to transmitting Oct-Dec 2003 data in January 2004.

Mailout of 2003-04 materials to agencies

Mailout of 2003-04 materials to agencies is expected to occur in late August/early September 2003. A new version of the QDT software has been developed to report 2003-04 data.

Agencies using the 2002-03 version of QDT can continue to input information for new service users until they receive the 2003-04 version of QDT. This version of QDT will allow agencies to import data from the 2002-03 version, so there will be no need for re-entry of existing service user details.

QDT Version 2 Software Training - coming to a town near you!

DSQ has contracted Brisbane North Institute of TAFE to provide statewide software training using the new version of DSQ's Quarterly Data Transmission software (QDT). Training enrolment will e undertaken by TAFE, who will use various methods to ensure that all DS NMDS funded agencies and Service Type Outlets are advised and are encouraged to attend. All agencies that do not currently use electronic systems to record and transmit their NMDS data are strongly encouraged to use this software and to attend the training.

Who should attend? Staff who are responsible for inhouse agency training, collection, entry and transmission of the DS NMDS data.

Enrolments: TAFE will commence training enrolment registrations in late October 2003.

Quality - 2003-04 Catch Cry

This year, DSQ will place particular emphasis on enhancing the quality of the DS NMDS data received from agencies. By now, all DS NMDS funded agencies should be fully aware of their DS NMDS reporting requirements as a condition of DSQ funding (refer recent changes to Service Agreements and Funding Guidelines).

Diary Dates

October 2003

  • Commencement of 2nd quarter (Oct-Dec) data collection
  • 1st quarter data transmissions due
  • Newsletter release - Issue 10

November 2003

  • Supply of 2003-04 NMDS materials
  • Release of DS NMDS Resource Kit

December 2003

  • QDT Version 2 software state-wide training
  • Change over to QDT Version 2 software
  • Reference week for 2nd quarter (25-31 December)

January 2004

  • Commencement of 3rd quarter (Jan-Mar 2004) data collection
  • 2nd quarter data transmissions due
  • Newsletter release - Issue 11.

Email addresses

Please advise the NMDS Team of any changes to your contact details (including e-mail addresses) by using the "change details" form through the website, or by phoning the Help Line (see below).

Don't Delay, Do It Today!

DS NMDS Help available

HelpLine: 1800 011 102 8.30am-4.30pm (Mon-Fri excluding public holidays)
E-mail help: cstdanmdshelp@disability.qld.gov.au