A retiring Northern Territory MP has spoken out about his concerns with Australia's first nuclear waste dump, and warned that Labor risks repeating the mistakes of the Howard government.

Outgoing member for Barkly Elliot McAdam has slammed his federal colleagues for failing to act on an election promise to repeal legislation that paves the way for the dump to be built in the territory.

He also has accused them of failing to consult with people affected by the four sites nominated by the Howard government, including three defence sites and Muckaty Station, about 120km north of Tennant Creek.

Mr McAdam said there are a number of traditional owners (TOs) who oppose the nomination of Muckaty and he has called on federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson to visit the region.

"The whole process has been flawed. Very clearly, TOs haven't been involved," he told ABC Radio in Darwin.

"Other sectors of the community haven't been involved. And until such time as a repeal of the Nuclear Waste Management Act, then effectively this doesn't allow anyone to have a real say in the Barkly in respect to the proposed site."

Mr McAdam - who announced he would see out the rest of his term in February, ahead of the NT election on August 9 - said he wanted an independent inquiry into the nomination of Muckaty.

"People like Martin Ferguson and others just can't use this jackboot approach all the time," he said.

"I mean, we put up with it from the Howard Government, we shouldn't have to put up with it from our colleagues in Canberra."

Earlier this month, Mr Ferguson said it was time Australians "faced up to their responsibilities" on nuclear waste.

"It's a problem I've got and I want to resolve it," he said.

The minister's visit to the NT prompted fresh speculation from environmentalists that Labor was closer to making a decision on a location.

But Mr Ferguson denied a decision had been made and insisted his department was waiting for the findings of an independent report.

He also said there would be no final decision without proper scientific assessment and further consultation.

NT Labor Senator Trish Crossin told the ABC that the Rudd government would repeal the NT Waste Management Act after it had received the report on the sites.