I welcome today's announcement by the Northern Land Council (NLC) calling for an amendment to the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2005 to enable indigenous communities to volunteer potential sites for the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

The NLC has demonstrated a constructive approach to the issue of managing low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste, reflecting a genuine commitment to acting in the national interest.

It also recognises the significant health and economic benefits enjoyed by all Territorians and in particular, Aboriginal Territorians.

The NLC's resolution also recognises that there is already radioactive waste generated and held in the Northern Territory, which needs to be safely and responsibly stored. This waste is currently stored at the Royal Darwin Hospital and at a Northern Territory Government facility in the Katherine region.

The approach of the NLC stands in stark contrast to the stance of the Northern Territory Chief Minister, Clare Martin, and her government.

I will be pleased to consider an amendment to the Commonwealth's legislation which will give effect to the Land Council's resolution.

I have already been in preliminary discussions with my colleagues David Tollner MP and Senator Nigel Scullion in relation to an amendment which would give effect to the Land Council's resolution.

My Departmental officials and I look forward to further discussions with the Land Council's representatives.