The announcement came as the body of Corporal Mathew Hopkins, 21, was on its way to Australia after he was killed fighting the Taliban on Monday.

The Defence Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said last night the military was "devastated" by the soldier's death.



"Clearly the loss of two people is deeply felt by our people," he said. "This soldier was highly skilled and very courageous … [He] died protecting his mates and was willing to sacrifice himself in order to safeguard others."

Australia has lost 10 soldiers in the war, including nine in the past 18 months.

A spokesman for the NATO-led forces said the death occurred on Thursday morning in the southern Oruzgan province, where most of Australia's 1100 troops are based. The soldier's identity was withheld at the family's request.