A mistake by the Defence Department means the return of the body of the first Australian soldier killed in Iraq has been delayed.
The body of Private Jake Kovco was due to arrive in Melbourne this morning, but the wrong coffin was sent from Kuwait.
The defence minister, Brendan Nelson, says it is a terrible mistake and Private Kovco's body will be flown to Australia immediately.
He says the Defence Department will fly the body home by private charter now if necessary.
The military says the 25-year-old private shot himself accidentally while cleaning his weapon in Baghdad on Friday.
He was a member of the 110-strong security detachment in Iraq's capital to protect Australian officials.
Dr Nelson says there will be a thorough investigation to find out how his casket was left behind in Kuwait and the wrong casket was sent.