If I understand correctly, the situation in the Makhija case was exactly the same. The power of the registrar of lobbyists to investigate offences under the act was challenged. The Federal Court, I think it was in December 2008, made a decision holding that the registrar did in fact have that power. Now the act says very clearly that I have the power to investigate offences under the act or the Code of Ethics.
On October 27th, 2009. See this statement in context.