Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

An Australian soldier on duty in Afghanistan has been killed in a landmine explosion.

Australia's Defence Minister Robert Hill says the soldier was a member of the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment.

He died from wounds he received from the explosion of what was believed to be an anti-vehicle mine in southern Afghanistan.

Senator Hill says the tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by Australian forces operating in Afghanistan.

And he says it also underlines the level of commitment of the men and women who serve their nation in the Australian Defence Force.