Former barrister Neil Francey reads an open book, with framed newspaper clippings on the wall behind him
Neil Francey is the veteran barrister behind Australia’s landmark 1991 court victory against tobacco companies proving secondhand smoke kills people. Photograph: Tiarni Majid-Loban/The Guardian
Neil Francey is the veteran barrister behind Australia’s landmark 1991 court victory against tobacco companies proving secondhand smoke kills people. Photograph: Tiarni Majid-Loban/The Guardian
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