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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/australian-states-could-sue-tobacco-companies-for-billions-in-healthcare-costs-under-proposal/
- Published: 2026-11-12T01:02:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T01:24:14+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/nov/12/australian-states-could-sue-tobacco-companies-for-billions-smoking-healthcare-costs
- Topics: Government, Health, Medicine, Politics, Software, Technology, World

## Key points

- Australian states are considering a joint lawsuit against tobacco companies.
- The proposal seeks up to A$50bn in healthcare costs since 2000.
- South Australia is seeking advice as other states review the plan.

## Summary

Australian state governments could sue tobacco companies for billions of dollars in public healthcare costs under a proposal by former barrister Neil Francey. South Australia is seeking formal advice, while other states are reviewing the plan, which could also fund cancer screening and prevention.

The proposal suggests six states bring a joint case in the Federal Court against British American Tobacco, Philip Morris, Imperial Brands and their overseas parent companies, seeking up to A$50bn for costs incurred since 2000. Francey argues the companies could be liable for misleading conduct under consumer law; the Northern Territory and the ACT are excluded. South Australia’s health minister said the state would conduct its own due diligence, and the companies either declined to comment or did not respond.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.