Dick Smith’s ABC radio rant against renewables overflows with ill-informed claims

Businessman Dick Smith attacked Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels during a program on ABC local radio. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

For 15 minutes on Sunday morning, ABC local radio listeners were treated to a rant from Dick Smith as the millionaire attacked Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels, claiming renewables would make electricity unaffordable and cause sweeping blackouts.

“It seems we have been sold a pup and we are not getting the full truth all the time,” responded Ian McNamara, the host of Australia All Over. “There are lots of people who will back you up.”