Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says all Australians are mourning the loss of two soldiers killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan.
The soldiers, from a Brisbane-based regiment, are the first Australians to die in almost a year and take the total number of campaign deaths in Afghanistan to 13.
Speaking in Sydney, Mr Rudd said the deaths were an enormous loss and extended to family of friends the deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of Australia.
But Mr Rudd says he believes Australia's troop commitment in Afghanistan is right.
Mr Rudd rejected the suggestion the fresh wave of violence was an indication the war against terrorism was being lost.
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"We are making progress in our part of Afghanistan and more broadly," he said.
"But let us make no bones about it, this is a very tough, difficult, continuing military campaign and we are up against a determined and dangerous enemy.
"However, under no circumstances can Australians allow Afghanistan to become a free, operating training base for terrorist organisations in the future ...
"Our resolve must be firm and we must complete the mission that we have set for ourselves."
Mr Rudd conceded the security situation in Afghanistan was "constantly changing".
"This is not a static situation but a dynamic situation."
He also extended his condolences to the families of the other eight NATO soldiers killed on Monday.
"There are families grieving today all around the world," he said.
