What obstacle do private members' bills face in the Assembly?

Private members' bills in the Assembly face significant challenges due to their need for major party support. These bills are proposed by members of the Assembly who are not government ministers, and as a result, they often lack the resources and backing that government-sponsored legislation enjoys. Major parties typically have the majority of votes and influence necessary to push legislation through, and without their support, private members' bills can struggle to gain traction, be debated, or even receive a fair hearing.

While other factors, such as time limits and the relevance of the bills to community needs, could impact their success, the primary and most critical obstacle lies in securing the endorsement and backing of the major parties. Additionally, private members' bills might touch on issues that are less controversial or simply not prioritized within the broader agenda of the Assembly, but if major parties do not back them, these factors diminish in importance.