The Attorneys-Generals' proposal to use public money to sue tobacco companies for the health costs of those silly enough to indulge the habit of smoking, is appalling. Trouble is, if the money is to be recovered from the smokers the manufacturers will have to stay in business. Suing a legal business as a hidden means of taxation is objectionable. State sponsorship of essentially private actions is expensive and risky.
Tobacco carries a particularly heavy burden of taxation.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare the burden of that taxation falls particularly heavily on those who smoke most, the poor. The poor carry the burden because those who govern on their behalf think it would be better if they looked after their health. The tax is meant to price smokes out of the market. To some extent it has, and rates among the middle class have fallen, but more likely through peer pressure than price. It seems pretty clear that smokers more than pay their way and that governments benefit significantly from them.