Two AFP officers have been recognised for their dedicated service to the Australian community in the announcement of the 2026 King’s Birthday honours.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt and Superintendent Alexander Middlemiss have both been awarded the Australian Police Medal in recognition of their service and achievements.
Assistant Commissioner Nutt is recognised for his distinguished service in counter terrorism, intelligence, and domestic and international policing.
Superintendent Middlemiss is honoured for his distinguished work in community policing, tactical response, undercover operations, dignitary protection and international policing.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett welcomed the honours as well-deserved recognition of the excellence and commitment Assistant Commissioner Nutt and Superintendent Middlemiss had long demonstrated in policing for the benefit of the broader Australian community.
“I am delighted these two officers have been recognised for their hard work and dedication in service of the greater Australian community,” Commissioner Barrett said.
“Assistant Commissioner Nutt has been a steadfast presence in policing for three decades, with his colleagues relying on his unwavering leadership and operational capability in every role he has undertaken.
“Superintendent Middlemiss has been recognised as an effective leader and strong builder of partnerships – demonstrating calm, resourceful and effective leadership in some of the AFP’s most physically and mentally-demanding roles.
“My congratulations to both for the well-deserved Australian Police Medal.”
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt began his career with the AFP in 1994, holding a range of positions in investigative- and intelligence-focused teams before moving into specialist roles within criminal assets, financial investigations and operational intelligence. After almost five years posted in Beirut, in 2015 he returned to Australia, undertaking senior leadership roles across Sydney and Brisbane. From 2019 onwards, he assumed progressively more senior executive positions within Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations. Promoted to Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations in 2024, he shaped national counter-terrorism strategy, oversaw major operational responses, and continued to strengthen Australia’s protective security posture. In May, 2026, he assumed the role of Assistant Commissioner for Global Operations within the Global Operations and Regional Security portfolio.
Superintendent Alexander Middlemiss has served with the AFP for more than 20 years, providing sustained and distinguished service across frontline policing, tactical, undercover and specialist operations, international deployments, and executive command. Initially starting in ACT Policing, he then transitioned into specialist policing and, by 2021, had risen through the ranks to serve as a Superintendent across several strategically important commands. He held leadership roles within Specialist and Protective Command throughout 2022 and 2023, with responsibility for strategic coordination, protection operations and national-level capability readiness. From 2024 to 2026, as the Senior Responsible Officer in Vanuatu, he oversaw the regional program, operational capability and policing partnerships, including the response to significant humanitarian crises.
