The Chief of Navy Senior Advisory Committee (CNSAC) has considered a range of issues concerning Navy's future infrastructure arrangements, including consolidation of bases and class basing of the surface combatant force.

CN, VADM Shackleton, said they were important issues with far reaching effects for the Navy into the future.

" Both base consolidation and class basing require further work before final decisions can be taken and a way ahead developed," CN said.

"Class basing, in particular, has been under consideration for some time. However, the likely effects of a decision, particularly on personnel, are still being worked through. The impact on people must be clearly understood before we act.

" I am aware that uncertainty creates difficulty for people when attempting to plan for the future, both personally and professionally," VADM Shackleton said.

He gave an assurance that class basing would not impact personnel postings and other plans over the next few years. Once a decision was made it would be implemented progressively thereafter.

"In particular, the current homeporting policy for mixed basing of the ANZAC and FFG remains in effect. You will be kept informed as these initiatives progress," VADM Shackleton said.