One Nation likens SA govt to Taliban

One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts has likened the South Australian government to the Taliban over its energy policies.

In a speech to the Senate on Wednesday, the outspoken climate sceptic compared the state to Afghanistan's hardline Islamic movement for "deliberately detonating" a coal-fired power plant.

"The Taliban is at work in the government of South Australia."

Labor's Glenn Sterle objected to the comparison.

"When the senator refers to the Taliban - who treat women as second-class citizens, public hangings in their squares - that is absolutely disgusting".

The South Australian government has faced criticism since a statewide blackout in September was linked by some to its reliance on renewable energy.