Quarterly data return
When do I definitely have to have my returns in by?
- If you do not use the DSQ Online Data Collection application?
- You have until one month after the end of the quarterly collection period to lodge NMDS data with Disability Services Queensland (DSQ). Refer to the reporting dates listed on the reporting page.
- If you use the DSQ Online Data Collection application?
- You have until one month after the end of the quarterly collection period to authorise your data in ODC. As an ODC user you do not need to lodge your data. Once you have authorised your quarterly data in ODC it will automatically be included in the quarterly ODC extract conducted by DSQ.
My agency is closed for the whole school holidays over Christmas. How will this affect the timing of my quarterly data return?
The holidays should not affect your reporting. There is a whole month after the last day of the quarter before you need to lodge your data with DSQ. If this timing does not suit your business operations (eg your agency is closed for the month after the end of the quarter) you can lodge your data return in advance (just before your agency closes). You can also lodge your data return in advance if your agency will be closed for the entire reporting period.
How and when will I get copies of the paper forms?
DSQ provides paper forms to all agencies that have nominated paper as their preferred data collection method. Please contact us if you need more paper forms, or download electronic versions from the publications and resources page.
Is it better to collect and report CSTDA NMDS data electronically instead of filling out the paper forms?
DSQ will accept data in: paper form; entered into the DSQ ODC application; or downloaded from your own computer system in a specified format.
Smaller agencies may find it easier to complete paper forms rather than to use a software tool. The drawback to this method is that all service type outlet, service user and services received details need to be completed each quarter.
Larger agencies may find that reporting data electronically each quarter has definite benefits. For example, if you use ODC, you only need to complete your service outlet details, update service users data items where these have changed between quarters and complete details about services received each reference and typical week.
If you use an agency-specific software package to collect and report quarterly data, it is important that the software package conforms to the CSTDA NMDS technical specifications. Further technical information and software specifications relating to agency-specific software packages are available from the data collection page.
If we already use a database or client management system to collect client and service data, are we required to use ODC?
No. If you are using an existing system that is able to generate an extract that meets CSTDA NMDS requirements, you can keep using this system. However, you may need to have someone adapt your existing system to conform to the CSTDA NMDS technical specifications. Further information is available from the data collection page.
How do I know that DSQ has received my quarterly data return?
- If you are a paper user
- From 1 July 2005, DSQ will provide paper users with a surface mail or fax acknowledgment that quarterly data returns have been received.
- If you use an agency specific software package
- If your quarterly electronic data return is successfully received via email, you’ll receive an email from DSQ saying it has been received.
- If you use the DSQ ODC application
- If your agency is using ODC, quarterly data is automatically extracted one month after the end of each quarter. It is important to note that DSQ can only extract agency data held in ODC if the agency has authorised for the data to be included in quarterly extracts. You will not receive any notification from DSQ that an extract has been performed.
Last updated November 2007