April 2009 - Issue 27

Survey - Thank you

On behalf of Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) we would like to thank everyone who participated in the Disability Service User and Carer Satisfaction Survey conducted during February and March 2009. The results of the survey will be circulated to agency CEOs and will also be published on the DSQ website by mid-2009.

The new National Disability Agreement (NDA)

As you may already be aware, the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) expired on 31 December 2008. A new agreement between the Commonwealth and the states and territories called the National Disability Agreement (NDA) came into effect on 1 January 2009.

The NDA builds on the reforms announced at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2007 which aims to achieve reforms in the Disability Service System. These reforms will be implemented through the Disability Specific Purpose Payments (SPP).

Will this impact my current reporting arrangements?

No. Data items collected through the current CSTDA are not expected to change in the short term (i.e. the next 12 - 24 months) so it's 'business as usual'.

How can I learn more about the NDA?

Further information on the NDA can be found on the Australian Government Family and Community Services website www.facs.gov.au

Diary dates 2008-09

Month	DS NMDS activity
April 2009	Deadline for third quarter data lodgement: 30 April 2009
July 2009	Deadline for fourth quarter data lodgement: 31 July 2009

Accessing disability data

Did you know DSQ provides access and links to disability data on its website?

DSQ can also provide more specific data upon request. Requests can be forwarded by phone or email to the Regional Support Officers.

The type of information that can be obtained from a data request includes any combination of data from any of the CSTDA service user questions. For example:

• How many service users are receiving respite services in the Fitzroy/Central West Region?
• What are the primary disability categories of service users in Ipswich receiving respite services?
• How many service users have an informal carer?
• What is the age range of the informal carers?

Data requests are a useful tool to support a range of planning and funding submissions. A few key points to keep in mind when submitting a data request:

• An agency can only request aggregated data
• In circumstances where service user counts are very low, numbers will be rounded up to protect the identity of an individual
• Please allow for a reasonable timeframe to complete a data request

Staff profile

When did you join the CSTDA team?

I started with DSQ on 26 February 2007. As the Regional Support Officer for Far North Queensland, North Queensland and the Mackay/Whitsunday regions, this position involves considerable travel. I am based in Townsville and work from the Townsville DSQ office.

Describe your role within the CSTDA team

I provide assistance and training for Funded Non-Government Service Providers and for DSQ staff relating to any CSTDA reporting queries. Training can be to large or small groups or individuals. I also provide training over the phone for those in rural or remote areas. As CSTDA reporting is part of all Funding Agreements, it is vital that good quality data is provided in a timely manner. I regularly travel to Cairns, Mackay and Mt Isa to assist agencies located in these areas.

How do you like to relax away from work?

I have four grandchildren under the age of four. They keep me active and enable me to retain a good sense of humour. I also like walking and often walk home from work. I attend the gym three times a week and enjoy going to the movies and reading.

Any tips for those who submit their quarterly CSTDA data?

If using the Online Data Collection (ODC) system, check the Quarterly Reporting Checklist (under Reports) to ensure your data is complete and your report finalised. If the message in column D reads 'There is nothing more to do', it is time for a coffee!

Introducing your Regional Support Officers

Lindy O'Neill
M 0434 604 844
Melinda.O'Neill@disability.qld.gov.au
Far North and North QLD and Mackay/Whitsundays

Karen Eborall
P 07 3239 0476
Karen.Eborall@communities.qld.gov.au
Fitzroy/Central West, Wide Bay Burnett and Sunshine Coast

Sarah Knott
P 07 3239 0489
Sarah.Knott@communities.qld.gov.au
Greater Brisbane

Juanita White
P 07 4615 3953
Juanita.White3@communities.qld.gov.au
Darling Downs, Moreton and Gold Coast

Change of purpose means change of reporting!

FNGSPs sometimes apply to change the purpose of underspent funding to another type of service. If this is approved, this service provision must be reported under the new service type code. If you do not have the appropriate outlet open for reporting, a simple call to your Regional Support Officer will get the appropriate paperwork underway. Once a Change of details form is completed and signed by your Community Resource Officer, the CSTDA team can have the new outlet up and running within one to two days.

Online Data Collection Changes

You may notice that the ODC will change slightly in appearance from mid-March/April 2009. A number of redundant menu items will be removed including: News, Documents and Contacts. These items will now be available through the 'Help' function which will link the user directly to the DS NMDS section of the Disability Online website. Don't forget that the DS NMDS Regional Support Officers are able to provide assistance with ODC should you need it.

DS NMDS help available

For any enquiries, please call the RSOs or mail us using the details below.