If we are serious about the north, the APS must prove itNorthern Australia is where national ambition meets national vulnerability. If the north is to be central to Australia’s strategic future, the APS footprint must reflect that reality. A more substantial APS presence in the north matters for two reasons. The government’s commitment to northern Australia must be tested, not just by infrastructure spending, but by APS roles placed in the north. The federal government should set explicit APS northern presence targets and link them to the next northern Australia agenda.