DES star ratings suspended as department rushes to fix coding error
9 December 2022 at 2:18 pm
An external investigation into the error will be established.
Social services minister Amanda Rishworth is launching an investigation into Disability Employment Services (DES) star ratings, following a coding error that impacted the application of the system.
The star ratings system measures the relative rate at which DES providers achieve employment and other outcomes, taking into account economic and labour market conditions.
The coding error means that the calculation of star ratings incorrectly included historical data from outside the two-year assessment period.
According to the minister, the mistake occurred “in a small number of cases” and there is “no impact on the provision of any current services to participants”.
Department of Social Services secretary Ray Griggs has been tasked with establishing an external investigation into the error and the application of the star ratings system.
Formal performance assessments based on star ratings have been suspended until the error is resolved.
Publication of star ratings have also been suspended.
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In a statement, Rishworth said she was “deeply concerned” about the error.
“The Star Ratings are an important part of monitoring performance of DES providers. I have been clear that broad reform to the DES program is required,” she said.
“The Government is committed to a DES program that provides improved outcomes for both participants and taxpayers.”
See more: New trial to link NDIS to DES providers
DES providers will be contacted by the government with further advice.
