RESOURCES Minister Martin Ferguson labelled Greens MP Adam Bandt a hypocrite, misusing indigenous people to pursue short-term politics.

The attack came last night after the Greens MP called on Parliament to stop debating a plan for a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory to store low-level nuclear waste.

Although the Opposition backed the debate, Mr Bandt, the Greens' only House of Representatives MP called for more consultation, insisting traditional owners at Muckaty Station were having the tip "dumped on them" and that the bill was being rammed through parliament against the wishes of the people of the Northern Territory.

Earlier, Mr Bandt labelled a lower house committee report on the proposed dump a "whitewash". The report recommended that government legislation to establish a nuclear dump in the Northern Territory be passed.

However, Mr Ferguson had no patience for the sentiments, blasting Mr Bandt as an opportunist pursuing "rampant hypocrisy".

Mr Bandt had been "time and time again seeking to pursue short-term political activities using traditional owners to suit his own short-term political needs".

"He stands condemened.," Mr Ferguson said.

"It's time for the Australian Parliament to front up to its responsibility to actually ensure that we store our waste which is basically used to look after the health and welfare of Australians with half a million Australians a year benefitting from nuclear medicine."

Opposition resources and energy spokesman Ian Macfarlane said the legislation, was one of the few good pieces of legislation to come into the House of Representatives.

Mr Macfarlane said low level nuclear waste is kept around Australia in highly unsuitable places like shipping containers in hospital car parks, basements of buildings in central business districts.