Disgraced former MP Eddie Obeid says he would love to have the corruption findings made against him taken to court so he can have his say.
The former Labor powerbroker remains defiant that he and his family have done nothing wrong despite the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) finding Mr Obeid acted corruptly in relation to retail leases at Circular Quay.
Speaking outside his Hunters Hill mansion in Sydney, Mr Obeid launched a scathing attack against the corruption watchdog and challenged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to take him to court.
"If I wasn't in Australia, I would think the behaviour of ICAC suits a place like Zimbabwe," he said.
"I'm very, very confident ... there is nothing in all these inquiries that we feel we have done anything wrong nor will it stand up in a court of law."
He added: "I would love the DPP to take any of these issues to court so we can have our say."
The commission found that Mr Obeid misused his position as an MP to make representations to ministers in relation to the management of retail leases, which his family had interest in at Circular Quay, the watchdog said in its report.
The ICAC recommended the DPP consider prosecuting Obeid for misconduct in public office for his lobbying of government officials to gain advantages for water licences at his family property Cherrydale Park.
Mr Obeid said he did what any Australian was entitled to do.
"...defend your property, make sure you don't lose value in your property if you own it freehold and go about your business like everyone else," he said.
"And if someone comes in and wants to do a deal with you to pay money without any evidence of corruption, then you are entitled to take it."
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