It was to be Canberra's ambitious attempt to emulate one of the world's biggest festivals.
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Dubbed South by Southeast, Labor said it would bring musicians, arts, and innovators from across the region, modelled on the hugely-successful South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
But there was a slight problem.
SXSW's representative in Australia Phil Tripp noticed news of Labor's election pledge last week, and quickly picked up the phone.
Mr Tripp, in what he describes as a friendly conversation, let the government know their plans would be in breach of copyright law.
SXSW's trademark prevents others from using its highly-respected brand to set up their own similarly-named festivals.
"We just don't want any confusion with our trademark. That's it, just a friendly conversation, no legal letters, no injunction, no solicitors," Mr Tripp said.
"We're not angry, we're cool with what's going on. With trademarks, you have to assert your rights.
"Basically, if someone starts using your brand, you've got to let them know, otherwise you can lose your right to protection."
SXSW is the biggest festival of its kind in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of people, and a staggering 2000 acts in 2014 alone.
Mr Tripp said he thought the proposal for the Canberra festival was great, albeit one that he had already discussed with most other states and territories.
He said he wasn't out to embarrass anyone, but had spoken with Labor and ACT Events and told them of SXSW's concerns.
"Obviously somebody didn't do due diligence in the minister's office, or the arts folk, and that happens," he said.
"Realistically it's often done innocently and people don't know about trademarks. You don't think about going to check a trademark in the course of your daily job.
"It's like Donald Trump or a politician using a song by a rock star, and being told, 'I'm sorry, you can't use that in your ad, or at your campaign rally' ... that's the parallel."
In response, a Labor spokesman said they would ensure all trademarks of the festival were respected.
"We're big fans of SXSW, and we believe an event in the same spirit would work really well in Canberra," he said.
"We will, of course, ensure all relevant trademarks are respected for the Canberra event."
