All HELP debts that were indexed in 2023 and would be subject to indexation on June 1, 2024, would get an indexation credit, the government said.

A person with an average HELP debt of $26,500 would have about $1200 cut from their outstanding loans this year under the change, pending legislation passing.

The credit for someone with $130,000 in student debt would be almost $5900.

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley said she found the suggestion students who weren’t already paying back debt wouldn’t be worried about increases “really insulting”.

“They’re actually anxious when they see their student debt go up … they still see that amount going up and it’s quite scary for them and they know that it’s looming over them,” she told Sky News on Sunday.

“I don’t think students will feel particularly warm and welcoming of this announcement.”

Universities Australia backed the move as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.

“These changes are a significant win for Australians with a HELP debt and will make a real difference in people’s lives,” Universities Australia chief executive Luke Sheehy said.

Greens education spokeswoman Mehreen Faruqi says student debts shouldn’t be growing at all.

“Let’s be clear, this will not provide any cost-of-living relief to people who are struggling to make repayments, pay rising rents and afford their groceries,” she said.

The backdated change would apply to Australians with HELP debt, VET Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans and other student loans that existed on June 1.

“By backdating this reform to last year, we’re making sure that apprentices, trainees and students affected by last year’s jump in indexation get this important cost-of-living relief,” Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said in a statement.