Independent Northern Territory politician Gerry Wood expects the Government to announce a major inquiry into the child protection system by the end of the week.

Mr Wood says he has been negotiating with the Government about what he wants the inquiry to include and how it should work.

If he is not satisfied, he has indicated he will vote with the Country Liberals to force the inquiry that they are planning.

The Opposition Leader, Terry Mills, says problems with child protection need to be addressed.

This has gone beyond the debate, he said.

This is almost a moral imperative that there needs to now be sunlight shone on this whole area so that the wider community can be satisfied that the interests of children are being served.

That's why it must be far reaching and fully independent.