Senator Advocates Australian Energy Independence and Oil Drilling Off Southern Coast

Liberal Senator for South Australia Alex Antic delivers his first speech in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Sept. 17, 2019. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

South Australian Liberal Senator Alex Antic has said he supports drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight, a large oceanic bay off the southern coastline, in order to help Australia become energy independent.

Speaking in federal Parliament on Tuesday, Antic said that former U.S. President Donald Trump was right to work towards making America energy independent, as relying on China, Russia, or countries in the Middle East was not a practical long-term option.