The subsequent child policy was also identified by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group as an ineffective sanction and one of many aspects of a system that does not support women's role as carers. The previous National Government introduced the policy because they were focused on requiring parents to return to work as early as possible after having a subsequent child. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the policy has reduced time on benefits or improved financial or social outcomes. In fact, it disproportionately impacts Māori and women, and it has contributed to increased complexity in the welfare system and reduced flexibility for parents to spend time with their child or children.