The garish face has greeted visitors for more than a century, but on Saturday it was neo-Nazi racists rather than rollercoasters that were the focus at Luna Park.

It formed the backdrop to a protest by far right extremists upset at African migrants and related crime.

Sickeningly some of these so-called patriots performed the salute of the German Nazi party, raising their right arms and hands in acknowledgement of the fascist organisation.

There is nothing patriotic about the gesture, Australians in World War II fought and died to stop the sinister ideology of Adolf Hitler and all sensible Australians would be appalled to see his salute at St Kilda.

Also of alarm was the appearance of Queensland senator Fraser Anning at the gathering, lending his support to organiser, convicted criminal Blair Cottrell.

The independent MP said on Sunday that he would bill taxpayers for travel to the rally because it was “official business” and that issues with Sudanese gangs and crime were affecting his home state as well as Melbourne.

He also told The New Daily website he was aware of no Nazi salutes and “that’s actually the BS that the left wing media reported”.

Senator Anning needs to have a reality check.

He is taking people for fools if he thinks the public believes his statements.

There was no logical reason for any senator, let alone one from Queensland, to be associating with the rally organisers.

Senator Anning has besmirched parliament with his conduct and his comments are ridiculous.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Sunday issued statements condemning racism, but neither of them named Senator Anning.

It is gobsmacking that our leaders felt no need to censure such behaviour and did not open their mouths as wide as Mr Moon to rebuke the Queenslander who does not deserve a place in public life.