Soldier killed in Afghanistan awarded VC

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the 100th Victoria Cross has been awarded to the late Corporal Cameron Baird.

Corporal Baird was killed in an operation in Afghanistan on June 22, 2013. He was the 40th digger to die in the conflict.

Mr Abbott said Corporal Baird was already an iconic figure in the army, and had already received the medal of gallantry.

He is being awarded the cross for most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self sacrifice in Afghanistan as a commando team leader.

Mr Abbott said Corporal Baird joined the army at 18 and was eventually posted to what is now the 2nd Commando Regiment.

He served in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"He was on his fifth special forces tour when he was killed in the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross," the prime minister said.

Mr Abbott said Corporal Baird was the 40th Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan.

"And, please God, the last," he said.

Addressing Corporal Baird's family members in the public gallery, he said: "You have lost a son, a brother, an uncle and our country has lost a citizen, a soldier, a hero."

Corporal Baird, 32, a Commando serving with the Special Operations Task Group, died when he was hit by enemy fire during a clash with insurgents.

"Words can hardly do justice to the chaos, confusion and courage that were evident that day," Mr Abbott told parliament.

Mr Abbott read a testimony provided by a comrade of Corporal Baird during his last tour of duty, to parliament.

"Corporal Baird's initiative, fearless tenacity and dedication to duty in the face of the enemy were exemplary and absolute inspiration to the entire team.

"I was witness to the ultimate sacrifice".

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Corporal Baird was a "real hero", as senior military officials and members of the soldier's family watched from the public gallery.

Corporal Baird was a man who risked his life for his mates, Mr Shorten said.

"The VC is part of our proud military tradition, an Australian tradition that reveres above all the courage to sacrifice one's safety for one's friends," he told parliament.

"A quality Corporal Baird exemplified to the highest degree."