Australian states weigh multibillion-dollar lawsuits against tobacco firms for healthcare costs

A proposal by a former barrister, who previously established in court that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, suggests Australian states could sue tobacco companies for up to A$50bn in public healthcare costs. South Australia is formally seeking advice on the plan, with other states reviewing it. The initiative, if pursued, would mark a significant legal escalation against the tobacco industry, though its viability and timing remain uncertain.

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