Debate in the Senate over the Federal Government's nuclear dump legislation has been adjourned until tomorrow.

The Government's Radioactive Waste Management Bill seeks to locate a nuclear waste facility in the Northern Territory.

Labor Senator Trish Crossin today tabled a motion to refer the bill to a Senate committee for further scrutiny, delaying the passage of the legislation.

She says she negotiated with the Government for the committee to report back in December, leaving two days to debate the laws before Christmas.

But she told the Senate today she was disappointed to learn the Government had circulated an amendment bringing forward the reporting date to November.

"This is legislation that is going to be steamrolled through this chamber and this Parliament, just like the dump's going to be steamrolled on Territorians," she said.

It is unclear whether the Government will pursue the shortened time frame.