Director of The Coffee Club, John Lazarou, has called for higher standards in Australia’s immigration system, saying he no longer sees the country as “a harmonious nation.”
Speaking to the Courier-Mail, Lazarou said “unrest and racial tensions are getting worse,” adding: “We have to look at what kind of people we’re letting in and stop opening the door to just anybody.”
The 63-year-old, who is the son of Greek migrants raised in Brisbane’s West End, said his parents quickly adapted to Australian life after arriving in the late 1950s, arguing that successful integration remains essential.
“The moment my parents arrived… they assimilated,” he said, adding that Australia should not become “a nation of tribes” but “become one.”
Lazarou said he supports raising entry standards for migrants but rejected banning people based on nationality, saying: “Black-listing countries is a terrible idea – you have to do the research on individuals.”
He also pointed to growing political discontent in regional Australia and increasing support for Pauline Hanson as signs of broader frustration.
Following the publication of his comments, some social media users criticised Lazarou and called for people to stop visiting The Coffee Club, while others defended his right to express his views.
Source: Courier-Mail
