The Federal Government has itself to blame for a class action by Traditional Owners against its plan to impose a radioactive waste dump on the people of the Northern Territory, the Australian Greens say.

"The Rudd Government faces a protracted legal challenge where it could easily have chosen a path of consultation and consent." said Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, spokesperson on nuclear issues.

"Minister Martin Ferguson should be stood down from all matters relating to radioactive waste management, after his predatory targeting of Traditional Owners responsible for the lands around Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory.

"Traditional Owners have been left with no alternative but to challenge the nomination of Muckaty Station in court and the Greens will be right behind them.

"The Rudd Government chose a politically expedient solution to the long term problem of nuclear waste, which this morning has blown up in their faces," Senator Ludlam said.