The Federal Government is trying to silence the Tennant Creek community with its decision not to bring a radioactive waste dump inquiry to Central Australia, the Australian Greens say.

"This is extremely disappointing given that Muckaty Station is the only proposed site for the nations' first ever waste dump," said Senator Scott Ludlam, Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues.

"Locals will be forced to make the long, expensive trek to Darwin or Canberra to be heard, which is completely unacceptable.

"The Greens will continue to oppose the shonky process leading to the nomination of Muckaty that Labor condemned when it was in opposition.

"We urge all Territorians to take part in the inquiry and send a strong message for this Government to install a proper scientific, transparent and accountable process, as it promised at the last election," Senator Ludlam said.

Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302

National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010 Inquiry hearing in Canberra 30 March, and Darwin 12 April. Submissions received by 15 March 2010, and Committee report due 30 April 2010. http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/legcon_ctte/radioactivewaste/index.htm