The autopsy, carried out by chief forensic pathologist Johan Duflou at Sydney's Glebe Morgue on Sunday, determined the nature of the soldier's injury, John Abernethy said.
"My investigation through NSW police and the Australian Defence Force will now focus on the manner, in terms of Section 22, Coroners Act 1980, by which Pte Kovco might have sustained a gunshot wound to the head," Mr Abernethy said in a statement.
Pte Kovco's Funeral
The funeral for Private Kovco could be held as early as Tuesday after the coroner released his body for burial.
News Ltd newspapers report NSW Coroner John Abernethy has completed the post-mortem examination of Private Kovco, the first Australian soldier killed while serving in Iraq. His body will be flown to the Royal Australian Airforce base in Sale in Victoria.
A funeral with full military honours is expected to take place at his home town of Briagolong in south-east Victoria on Tuesday.
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson will attend the service, along with Defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, army head Lieutenant-General Peter Leahy and officers from his regiment. He will also have his name added to the town's roll of honour.
Private Kovco, 25, died in Baghdad on April 21 when his military issue Browning 9mm pistol discharged, but the circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of claims of a cover-up.
Compounding the tragedy, Private Kovco's remains were left behind in Kuwait while the body of a Bosnian civilian contractor, Juso Sinanovic, was flown to Melbourne on Thursday in his place.
Mr Sinanovic's family have told The Australian they share the Kovco family pain. "We are very upset about this and know what your soldier's family are going through," Mr Sinanovic's aunt, Fata Ferhotovic, said.
Dr Nelson has announced a full military inquiry into the shooting and repatriation bungle, headed by Group Captain Warren Cook, will begin "as soon as practicable" and could last up to six months.