Aboriginal leader backs NT nuclear waste facility

A former chairman of the Northern Land Council (NLC) says a nuclear waste facility in East Arnhem Land could bring benefits to Aboriginal people and all Australians.

Galarrwuy Yunupingu says he would be happy to consider a waste dump on his tribal land.

The NLC is calling for the Federal Government to amend its Radioactive Waste Management Bill so that traditional owners can nominate alternative sites for the proposed national dump.

Currently only three Commonwealth-owned sites are being considered.

Mr Yunupingu says a dump on Gumatj Land could mean sealed roads, infrastructure and long-term benefits to Aboriginal people as well an oncology unit for Darwin's Hospital.

He says the dump is an issue of national importance, with over 400,000 Australians receiving radioactive medical treatment each year.

He says Chief Minister Clare Martin should admit that a dump could be safely built in the Territory.