The Campbell administration's flawed Lobbyists Registration Act is in need of repair, according to the official responsible for administering it. But Attorney General Wally Oppal refused to say if he would make those fixes before the next election.

Earlier this week, lobbyists registrar David Loukidelis acknowledged he doesn't have the legal tools necessary to properly investigate alleged violations after Liberal backroom boy Patrick Kinsella refused to "consent to any investigation or reporting."

Loukidelis has come up with recommended changes to the act that would give him those tools.

And he also wants to see elected and unelected officials required to "verify" those lobbying them are registered.

But Oppal told reporters yesterday he can't give a "precise time frame" for when the government will address Louk-idelis's concerns.

This, despite the fact the registrar stated those amendments should be made at the "earliest opportunity."

Oppal also waffled when asked if Liberal supporters such as Kinsella should cooperate with the registrar - even if he doesn't presently have the authority to conduct such investigations.

"Well, should a person co- operate with the authorities if there's no basis for any kind of allegation?" responded Oppal. "Look, I'm not defending Mr. Kinsella. I don't know what he does. He's probably relying on legal advice. I don't know." Click here to find out more!

Kinsella has never registered as a lobbyist, repeatedly denying he is one.

And, according to a written statement issued by his company, The Progressive Group is "confident it has consistently and correctly followed the requirements of the Act," registering "each and every" time it communicates with public office holders on behalf of clients.

But a national payday loan company executive told 24 hours his firm hired Kinsella to do lobbying work.

Earlier records exclusively obtained by 24 hours also show Kinsella's government-relations company has helped win major contracts and benefits for foreign and business interests. And those same records show Kinsella was scheduled to repeatedly meet with one government minister.

Under the act, consultant lobbyists are required to sign-up if they, for pay, communicate with a public office holder in an attempt to influence government - although there are some exceptions to that rule.

But consultants must always register if they, for pay, arrange a meeting with an office holder and another "person."

Sean Holman is legislative reporter for Vancouver's 24 hours and publisher of Public Eye Online.