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

Exclusive: Former barrister who helped legally establish that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer argues states could seek up to $50bn in compensation

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Australian 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.