Debate on the Federal Government's nuclear waste dump legislation could be postponed until Christmas.

Three sites in the Northern Territory are being considered to house the facility.

The Commonwealth's Radioactive Waste Management Bill, which will pave the way for a nuclear waste dump in NT, was due to be debated in the Senate later this week.

But passage of the legislation is now expected to be delayed, with indications the Senate will today support a motion to refer the matter to a Senate Committee.

NT Labor Senator Trish Crossin says she has received positive indications from the Federal Government that it will not block the move to send the Bill to a Senate committee.

Senator Crossin admits it is a stalling tactic, but hopes it will give the Government time to rethink its plans.

"Some inquiry is better than no inquiry and even though it will be short, at least it will give some people the chance to put their views to the Senate," she said.

Although happy with the concession, Senator Crossin says the time frame means the Bill will not be fully scrutinised.

"I certainly would have liked the opportunity to take the committee to Darwin and Katherine - the number of places we can go to is limited," she said.

She says she hopes the inquiry will give time for the Territory CLP Senator Nigel Scullion to consider crossing the floor to vote against the Bill.

"What we would like to see in the meantime is Senator Scullion realise that there is a better process here, there can be a more cooperative and a more consultative process here," she said.

"The Federal Government shows some leadership and gets all the parties around the table and tries to resolve this issue, rather than bulldoze the rights of Territorians."

Senator Nigel Scullion has welcomed the inquiry but says it will not change his vote.

"At this stage I just simply couldn't see the circumstance where I'd cross the floor to vote against this legislation," he said.

"There are amendments, the Government has supported our amendments and I will be supporting those amendments in the Senate."