Parliament's intervening - after the High Court ruled against the Ministry of Social Development requesting welfare repayments from those receiving back-dated ACC support

Social Development Minister Louise Upston says this has favoured some ACC recipients over others.

A bill seeking to restore MSD's powers has passed its first reading - with support from the coalition and Labour.

Upston says it's not changing the law - just clarifying it to make it equitable.

She says it's important the longstanding policy intent of how ACC compensation and income more broadly is treated, is consistent.