The NSW government has shrugged off criticism that changes to City of Sydney businesses' voting rights are grossly undemocratic, and has backed a move to grant businesses double the voting power of residents.

There had been speculation the government would seek substantial changes to a controversial Shooters and Fishers Party bill that forces businesses to vote in the council's elections and gives businesses two votes.

"A dog's breakfast of democracy": Alex Greenwich with lord mayor Clover Moore. Credit:James Alcock

But the government proposed only minor amendments on Tuesday, and the two-vote rule has been retained.

Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore labelled the move "unbelievable" and "outrageously undemocratic".