STEVE CANNANE, PRESENTER: An Australian serviceman wounded in a bomb blast in Afghanistan will be transferred to Germany for treatment.

The Special Forces soldier was blasted by an improvised device on an operation in Helmand Province.

His condition is described as serious, but he's conscious and is expected to make a good recovery.

STEPHEN SMITH, DEFENCE MINISTER: They are serious injuries and that's requiring the transfer to Landstuhl in Germany, but we are confident of a full recovery in due course and obviously we're pleased and relieved by that, as is his family.

STEVE CANNANE: A second Australian suffered minor cuts in the explosion. He's now returned to work.