A century-old tradition continues as some 400 Anzac diggers head for the Middle East, Opposition leader Bill Shorten says.
The Labor leader joined Defence Minister Marise Payne to farewell about 300 Aussie and 100 Kiwi troops deploying to Iraq at a parade at Darwin's Robertson Barracks on Remembrance Day.
Federal Labor MPs Warren Snowdon and Luke Gosling also attended the ceremony for the soldiers, who are preparing for a six-month deployment as part of Task Group Taji under Operation Okra.
Okra is Australia's military contribution to the international effort to disrupt and degrade Islamic State.
"Ninety-eight years ago today the guns fell silent at the end of the first world war," Mr Shorten said.
It marked the end of a conflict which claimed the lives of millions, including more than 60,000 Australians.
"I think it is a fantastic privilege to be commemorating Remembrance Day 98 years on, watching Australia's finest young men and women prepare to renew the ANZAC tradition once again in the cause of peace," Mr Shorten said.
The US-led coalition aims to train and equip local forces in northern Baghdad.
There are about 800 Australian personnel deployed as part of the operation and this will be the fourth rotation.
"Having visited Baghdad myself... I have no doubt that the Australian contribution is making a material difference to improve the peace and the lives of the citizens of Iraq," Mr Shorten said.
There were a dozen tanks, a four helicopter fly-over and a military band at the ceremony for the soldiers and their families.
Diggers dressed in camouflage stood proud in the sweltering sun as their children played on the lawn during formal proceedings.
Regimental Sergeant Major, of the 1st Armoured Regiment, Warrant Officer Class One Jay Robinson said it was a poignant moment to see the red poppies on the chests of the young troops.
"It's a fitting touch to end a sombre but proud day for Australia," he said.
Sergeant Major Robinson, a 28-year veteran, will be leaving behind his wife and three young daughters.
"My family is my rock. I'm truly blessed that my girls keep supporting me through these deployments," he said.
"I'm very proud of him to do what he does and love it with a passion," said his 15-year-old daughter, Jamie, with tears welling in her eyes.
"I'll definitely miss him."
Ms Payne, who arrived in a tank to send off the soldiers, said their sacrifice abroad will reduce the threat of terrorism on home soil.
"I've been a senator of western Sydney for almost 20 years and not very long ago a police civilian employee was murdered in cold blood in the street just up the road from my office," she said.
"Those sorts of acts of heinous terror, of violence and of extremism are not welcome in Australia."
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