The federal Labor Party still cannot say when it will repeal legislation that forces a nuclear waste dump on the Northern Territory.

During the last federal election campaign, the party promised to repeal the legislation if it won government.

A Senate inquiry into the Radioactive Waste Management Act is calling for it to be changed immediately.

The Federal Resources Minister, Martin Ferguson, says there is no quick way to fix this complex national issue.

"There is a departmental process underway which will lead to a recommendation to Government by me," he said.

"That will include the repeal of the current legislation but also the development of a repository in Australia, because it is our responsibility."