The Defence Minister is pleading with the public not to attack his department over a mix-up which could leave the body of a dead Australian soldier stranded for days.
The body of Private Jake Kovco was supposed to arrive in Melbourne this morning, but a mix-up in Kuwait meant the wrong casket was loaded onto a jet.
The minister, Brendan Nelson, says Private Kovco's body now could remain in the Gulf until Saturday.
Dr Nelson said Private Kovco's widow has talked angrily with the prime minister, John Howard, in a telephone conversation overnight.
"Of course we are, and I personally am, very angry about it. The investigation will get to the bottom of it. It's very easy to criticise Defence. But I just say to Australians, don't just take a free kick here.
He said "Let's just have this inquiry, because I am very suspicious that we've been let down by a system which is actually beyond our direct control."