Labor says the PM must find a suitable waste dump site.

The Federal Opposition has rejected the Prime Minister's suggestion that he will consider an alternative site for a national nuclear waste facility if Labor leaders can find one.

John Howard says he has been given no choice but to build a nuclear waste facility in the Northern Territory.

Legislation is now before Parliament that overrides the Northern Territory's ability to oppose the dump.

But Mr Howard says he will look at another site if one is put forward.

Labor's spokeswoman for science and research, Jenny Macklin, says that is unacceptable and wider community consultation is needed.

"It's extraordinary really," she said.

"It's the Prime Minister's responsibility to get this right, it's his responsibility to get the agreement of the Australian people to fight this nuclear waste dump.

"It's not the responsibility of anybody else and he should get on with the job."

Ms Macklin says Labor recognises the need for a national dump but opposes the way the Federal Government has handled the issue.

She says the party will support the Northern Territory's efforts to stop the dump being built without consensus.

"They're being told this will happen in the Northern Territory," she said.

"You can understand why they're so angry about it so we'll certainly be working with the Northern Territory Government to persuade senators that this has not been a fair process."