A day after he was found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct, John Sidoti is refusing to quit NSW parliament, saying he will take the fight to clear his name to the Supreme Court.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption made a corruption finding against the former Liberal minister on Wednesday and recommended the Director of Public Prosecutions be consulted about possible criminal charges.
The anti-corruption watchdog investigated the now independent MP for Drummoyne over his lobbying of local councillors to rezone blocks at Five Dock in Sydney, where his family owned property.
Premier Dominic Perrottet phoned his former colleague before flying to Japan on a trade trip on Wednesday night, giving him an ultimatum to resign from parliament - or face an expulsion motion.
Mr Sidoti said his response was brief.
"It was two words and I can't mention them on camera," he told Sydney radio 2GB on Thursday.
Treasurer Matt Kean is also urging the former sports minister to resign immediately.
"I'm offended by what I've read about Mr Sidoti's behaviour," he told reporters on Thursday.
"I think it reflects poorly and ... does a disservice to all of us who work hard for .... the people of NSW," he said.
Mr Sidoti insists he won't resign, will "absolutely" prove his innocence and has instructed his lawyers to lodge an application in the Supreme Court.
"The reality is I'm innocent, I'm going to fight this ... on principle," he said.
He criticised the ICAC, saying it was "a ridiculous system" that needed reform adding he had endured "three years of misery" as the inquiry dragged on.
"There have been many innocent people before me who have gone through what I've gone through, their reputation is tarnished, their life is trashed," he said.
"I've done everything I can in the last 11 years to wholeheartedly represent my community."
The ICAC found Mr Sidoti misused his position as an MP to pressure and threaten City of Canada Bay Council Liberal councillors to rezone land to benefit his family's property interests.
Mr Sidoti said his business interests in Five Dock, where his family owned a function centre, were well known by everyone in the area.
"So the idea that somehow they didn't know or they lost their memory is just unacceptable," he said.
