Australian states could sue tobacco companies for billions in healthcare costs under proposal

Australian state governments could seek up to $50 billion in compensation from tobacco companies for public hospital and healthcare costs, under a proposal developed by a former barrister who helped legally establish that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer. The South Australian government is formally seeking advice on the plan, while other states are reviewing it. The proposal would allow states to sue tobacco companies for billions in public healthcare costs.

Exclusive: Former barrister who helped legally establish that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer argues states could seek up to $50bn in compensationGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralian state governments could sue tobacco companies for billions in public hospital and healthcare costs, under a proposal developed by a former barrister who helped legally establish that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer.The South Australian government is formally seeking advice on the proposal, while other states are reviewing it. Continue reading...