In 2017, Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff released a statement encouraging Tasmanians to sign up for adult education courses.

The statement read: "When the Hodgman Government was elected in 2014, we made a commitment to revive adult education, to help Tasmanians access skills they need for life and for work.

"We re-established the well-known and trusted 'Adult Education' brand, which offers all Tasmanians the opportunity to enrich their lives through courses that are both viable and affordable for adult learners."

Adult Education was referenced in the department's 2014/15 annual report with a target of reaching 4000 people, but reached 1491 people or 38 per cent of the target.

The report said adult education, which is part of community learning, would help people to create pathways to employment, further learning and/or overcome social and regional disadvantages.

The report continued to say alternative strategies would be explored to improve program viability.

Five years later, and it appears this commitment to adult education has waned.

Furthermore, the divide between regions has grown with nearly all the courses based in Hobart.

In the 2019-19 annual report, there were 1051 participants in Adult Education courses.

The drop contradicts the importance placed on Adult Education back in 2014.

While it's great to see the vibrancy of the program continues down south, it's disheartening to not have the same opportunities to Tasmanians in regional areas in the North and North-West.

A concerted effort is needed to attract tutors to ensure this engagement in education can continue - as it may be one Adult Education course that triggers a person to continue their education and improve their literacy and numeracy.

After all, literacy and numeracy can be found in all lifestyle courses.