Australian states could sue tobacco companies for billions in healthcare costs under proposal
Summary
A proposal by legal researcher Neil Francey says Australia’s six state governments could jointly sue major tobacco companies for up to A$50 billion in public healthcare costs. South Australia has sought formal advice, and other states are reviewing the proposal; no lawsuit has been filed.Key Facts
- The proposed case would target British American Tobacco, Philip Morris, Imperial Brands and their overseas parent companies.
- The proposal seeks to recover state healthcare costs incurred since 2000 and fund cancer screening and prevention programs.
- Francey argues the companies could be liable for decades of misleading and deceptive conduct under Australian consumer law.
- The plan calls for the six state governments to pool resources in a joint legal taskforce.
- The proposal excludes the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory because of their status and different healthcare funding arrangements.
- A BAT Australia spokesperson declined to comment on potential or pending claims; Philip Morris and Imperial Brands did not respond to requests for comment.
- In a 1991 federal court case represented by Francey, the court found compelling scientific proof that passive smoking causes lung disease and respiratory conditions in nonsmokers.
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