PM attends private funeral for soldier

Fallen soldier Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey has been farewelled at a private funeral attended by family, comrades and Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Fellow soldiers formed the honour guard and bearer party as his coffin was carried into the Hillside Chapel at the Palmdale Cemetery and Memorial Park on the NSW Central Coast.

Lance Corporal Chidgey, 29, died in a non-combat related incident at the Australian headquarters in Kabul on July 1. The death remains under investigation.

He was the 41st Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan.

2nd Commando Regiment commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel I (identity protected) said Lance Corporal Chidgey was a dedicated commando and loyal friend.

"We should celebrate his service, his life and his contribution to ensure a better world and keep this in our minds as we mourn his passing," he said.

Also attending was Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Defence Minister David Johnston and Defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.