In its third and final report, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) recommended advice be sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on prosecuting 11 people, over 139 criminal charges.

Mr Rees yesterday said the report was another step towards winding up corrupt practices in NSW.

"As regrettable ... as that whole incident was, today's release of that report by the ICAC demonstrates that we are a corruption-resistant state," he said. "And, where it does exist, it does get rooted out."

Mr Rees defended Transport Minister David Campbell, who was linked to former Wollongong council officer Joe Scimone during the public investigation.

ICAC found Mr Scimone had acted corruptly during his time with the council by giving favourable treatment to developers Frank Vellar and Bulent "Glen" Tabak.

Mr Scimone is among the 11 people ICAC has recommended the DPP should consider prosecuting.

"This gentleman is as honest as the day is long," Mr Rees said of Mr Campbell, who yesterday reiterated he once had been a friend of Mr Scimone, but now regarded him only as an acquaintance he hadn't seen since a chance meeting around Christmas last year.

Mr Campbell, a former Lord Mayor of Wollongong, is also the Minister for the Illawarra.

"Those who have done the wrong (thing) should have their backside kicked from here to kingdom come," an angry Mr Campbell said.

"Those who do the right thing should be supported so they can get on with their daily lives."