var promises = [
  {
    "Short_description": "Provide a music industry package of over $30 million, including $20 million for an Australian Live Music Fund and $10 million for the new music exports and live music body Sounds Australia. Labor has also promised to crackdown on ticket scalpers.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Arts",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$30+ million",
    "Date_announced": "30/11/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://alp.org.au/media/1484/181130-labors-music-policy-fs.pdf",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$8 million over four years for a new Indigenous Theatre Company, established and governed by First Nations' peoples, and $3 million for existing Indigenous theatre companies and dance groups.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Arts",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Restore previously reduced funding to the Australia Council for the Arts, starting with $37.5 million over the forward estimates.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Arts",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "An Australian Music Industry Package worth $30.9 million, which includes funding for live music, a mentoring program for female artists and a development program for Indigenous artists.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Arts",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$30.9 million",
    "Date_announced": "30/3/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.minister.communications.gov.au/minister/mitch-fifield/news/more-live-music-more-opportunities-australias-musicians",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/missing-in-action-a-vision-for-the-arts-in-the-2019-budget-114816"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Ongoing support for cooperative research centres (CRC) program, and $170 million for R&D tax scheme.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Business",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Industry R&D",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Ongoing support for cooperative research centres (CRC) program, and six new industry-led Growth Centres.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Business",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Industry R&D",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$50 million for manufacturing modernisation fund.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Business",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Industry R&D",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "8/5/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.innovationaus.com/2019/05/Govts-50m-lift-for-manufacturers",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A $60 million top-up in this year’s budget for the Export Market Development Grants scheme, a popular support program for tech companies and startups.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Business",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Startups",
    "Total_costs": "$60 million top up to existing program (over 3 years)",
    "Date_announced": "1/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.innovationaus.com/2019/04/EMDG-scheme-gets-60-million-boost",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Put the question of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, proposed by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, to the public in its first term.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has committed to putting the question of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, proposed by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, to the public in its first term, with the goal of enshrining it in the constitution.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Constitutional issues",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "12/02/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/12/bill-shorten-says-labor-will-pursue-indigenous-voice-to-parliament-without-coalition",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/indigenous-recognition-in-our-constitution-matters-and-will-need-greater-political-will-to-achieve-90296"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Hold a plebiscite on whether Australia should be a republic with an Australian head of state within its first term.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has committed to a plebiscite on whether Australia should be a republic with an Australian head of state within its first term.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Constitutional issues",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$160 million for plebiscite",
    "Date_announced": "12/02/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/11/labor-promises-vote-on-australia-becoming-a-republic-if-it-wins-government",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/shorten-pledges-republic-vote-in-first-term-81786"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "No Indigenous Voice to Parliament, but $7.3 million in this year's budget to determine a potential model for an Indigenous Voice to then be put to the public in a referendum.",
    "Long_description": "The Morrison government has maintained its predecessors' opposition to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, referring to it as a 'third chamber of parliament'.  Despite this, the Coalition has included $7.3 million in this year's budget to determine a model for an Indigenous Voice to then be put to the public in a referendum.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Constitutional issues",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$7.3 million",
    "Date_announced": "26/09/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/sep/26/scott-morrison-claims-indigenous-voice-to-parliament-would-be-a-third-chamber",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/the-uluru-statement-showed-how-to-give-first-nations-people-a-real-voice-now-its-time-for-action-110707"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$2 million for TAFE cybersecurity training centre.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Cybersecurity",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Vocational education and training",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "02/05/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.computerworld.com.au/article/661153/labor-eyes-2-million-tafe-cyber-security-training-centre/",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A $156 million package to expand the government's cyber-security capabilities, with an emphasis on training, recruitment, expanded educational opportunities for women and digital security education for small businesses and older Australians.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Cybersecurity",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$156 million",
    "Date_announced": "29/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theage.com.au/federal-election-2019/morrison-on-cyber-alert-through-156-million-election-promise-20190428-p51i12.html",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/australia-is-vulnerable-to-a-catastrophic-cyber-attack-but-the-coalition-has-a-poor-cyber-security-track-record-113470"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$1 billion to build two new minehunters and a survey ship for the navy in Western Australia.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition has promised $1 billion to build two new minehunters and a survey ship for the navy in Western Australia.",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Defence",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1 billion",
    "Date_announced": "29/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-29/scott-morrison-announces-new-mine-warfare-hydrographic-vessels/11054324",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$4 billion to make childcare free for most low-income households and provide higher subsidies for families earning under $174,527.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised $4 billion to make childcare free for most low-income households (income under $69,527).  The ALP plan will benefit 887,000 families, with some being up to $2,100 better off. Labor will also provide higher subsidies for families earning under 174,527.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Early childhood",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$4 billion",
    "Date_announced": "28/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://theconversation.com/shorten-promises-4-billion-for-child-care-benefitting-887-000-families-116128",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/shorten-promises-4-billion-for-child-care-benefitting-887-000-families-116128"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$1.7 billion for universal preschool access, extending it to three-years-olds.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has pledged $1.7 billion for universal preschool access, extending it to three-years-olds who will be subsidised 15 hours of early childhood education. Labor will also extend the current arrangement for four-year-olds accessing preschool.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Early childhood",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1.7 billion",
    "Date_announced": "4/10/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/oct/04/bill-shorten-reveals-17bn-plan-to-fund-access-to-preschool-or-kindergarten",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$453 million to guarantee another year's funding of preschool for four-year-olds.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition has promised $453 million to guarantee another year's funding of preschool for four-year-olds.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Early childhood",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$453 million",
    "Date_announced": "2/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.medianet.com.au/releases/174078/",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A $75 million renewable jobs package with $45 million to incentivise apprenticeships in the renewables sector, $10 million to train existing workers for renewable industries and $20 million to upgrade TAFEs with solar technology.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Energy",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$75 million",
    "Date_announced": "2/5/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/may/02/labor-to-unveil-75m-renewable-jobs-spend-as-morrison-pledges-to-boost-medicines-funding",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Revive the National Energy Guarantee with 45% emissions reduction and 50% renewable energy targets by 2030.",
    "Long_description": "Labor will revive the National Energy Guarantee with 45% emissions reduction and 50% renewable energy targets by 2030. The policy was designed by the current (Coalition) Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Labor has admitted it is not the party's preferred option.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Energy",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labors-battery-plan-good-policy-or-just-good-politics-107434"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$10 billion extra funding for Clean Energy Finance Corporation and $5 billion to update transmission infrastructure.",
    "Long_description": "Labor will provide $10 billion extra funding for Clean Energy Finance Corporation, $5 billion to update transmission infrastructure, and a further $200 million to subsidise battery technology for 100,000 homes.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Energy",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$15.2 billion",
    "Date_announced": "22/11/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/22/bill-shorten-reveals-15bn-energy-plan-to-help-tackle-climate-disaster",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/households-to-get-2000-subsidy-for-batteries-under-shorten-energy-policy-107417"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Fund solar panels for up to 4,000 schools to create 'virtual power plants'.",
    "Long_description": "Labor will fund solar panels for up to 4,000 schools to create 'virtual power plants' that generate more than the needs of the school and feed into the grid.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Energy",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1 billion",
    "Date_announced": "30/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theage.com.au/federal-election-2019/labor-pledges-solar-panels-for-schools-in-1-billion-program-20190429-p51ic2.html",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$1 million-dollar grant to support the construction of a hydrogen microgrid powered by rooftop solar in the Daintree.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Energy",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1 million",
    "Date_announced": "7/5/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/solar-hydrogen-microgrid-daintree/",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Up to $1.38 billion in an equity investment for Snowy 2.0.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will commit $1.38 billion in an equity investment for Snowy 2.0, which would support Snowy Hydro Limited's plans to expand generation capacity and storage at the Snowy Dam. The Coalition claims Snowy 2.0 will increase generation capacity by 2,000 megawatts and provide 175 hours of energy storage.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Energy",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1.38 billion funding announced, $5.1 billion contract awarded",
    "Date_announced": "25/02/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.scottmorrisonmp.com.au/news/historic-snowy-2-0-plan-approved/",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/if-the-nbn-and-snowy-hydro-2-0-were-value-for-money-would-we-know-102908"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Commit to renewable energy target of 50% electricity generation by 2030, household rebates for solar batteries, and investment in energy efficiency.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Environment",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/fixing-the-gap-between-labors-greenhouse-gas-goals-and-their-policies-115550"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Commit to emission reductions of 45% on 2005 levels by 2030, and to reach net zero emissions by 2050 as part of Labor's Climate Change Action Plan.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Environment",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/fixing-the-gap-between-labors-greenhouse-gas-goals-and-their-policies-115550"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Establish a National Environmental Protection Authority if elected and revise current environmental law. Bill Shorten announced a $100 million native species protection fund, $62 million to combat coastal erosion and $50m to implement a new regulatory framework as part of a package of new environmental measures.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Environment",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$212 million",
    "Date_announced": "04/05/19",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/may/04/bill-shorten-pledges-to-establish-national-environment-protection-authority",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labor-promises-a-comprehensive-overhaul-of-federal-environmental-framework-108888"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$2 billion over 15 years for 'Climate Solutions Fund' to extend the 'Direct Action Fund' which paid industry to reduce emissions.  26%-28% emissions reduction target by 2030.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Environment",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$2 billion over 15 years",
    "Date_announced": "24/02/19",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-25/scott-morrison-announces-new-$2bn-climate-change-policy/10844922",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/the-governments-2bn-climate-fund-a-rebadged-rehash-of-old-mistakes-112412"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Create a 'recycling investment fund' to provide loans to manufacturers to encourage them to use more recycled materials in production. $100 million from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation will be diverted to create the fund. The package also includes $103 million in smaller grants for environmental projects and $16 million from the foreign aid budget for the Pacific Ocean Litter Project to reduce waste in the ocean.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Environment",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$203 million in new spending and $16 million in realocated spending",
    "Date_announced": "02/05/19",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.smh.com.au/federal-election-2019/coalition-to-promise-200-million-in-pitch-to-voters-on-the-environment-20190502-p51jjf.html",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Implement all recommendations from the Banking Royal Commission as well as establish a $640 million 'banking fairness fund' paid for by a levy on banks and financial institutions in the ASX100.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Finance",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "22/01/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.afr.com/business/banking-and-finance/chris-bowen-if-the-royal-commission-recommends-it-it-shall-be-done-20190122-h1ac6k",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/shorten-we-should-legislate-on-hayne-recommendations-before-election-111196"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "'Take action' on all recommendations of the Banking Royal Commission except abolishing trailing commissions for mortgage brokers.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Finance",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "12/03/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-12/government-backs-away-from-mortgage-commission-ban/10894228",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/search/result?sg=c26e448d-db89-42d1-9f56-0782a7ac9efd&sp=1&sr=2&url=%2Fvital-signs-its-one-thing-to-back-down-on-haynes-recommendation-about-mortgage-brokers-its-another-to-offer-nothing-in-its-place-113544"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Raise foreign aid every year until it reaches 0.5% of gross national income (approximately $2.3 billion based on Dec 2018 GNI figures), from it's current level of 0.22%",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Foreign affairs",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "18/12/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.sbs.com.au/news/labor-will-lift-foreign-aid-every-year",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "New blueprint for engaging with Asia called FutureAsia that will include expanded diplomatic presence in the region, stronger economic engagement with Indonesia and India, and initiatives to improve Asian language capability in Australia. Penny Wong's first overseas trip will be to Indonesia and Malaysia.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Foreign affairs",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "1/5/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/australian-values-australia-s-interests-foreign-policy-under-shorten-labor-government",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Cut foreign aid from $4.16 billion to $4.04 billion. The money will be cut from Central, South and South-East Asia and redirected towards Pacific nations.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Foreign affairs",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$117 million cut",
    "Date_announced": "2/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-02/federal-budget-foreign-aid-slashed-by-more-than-$115-million/10963748",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$115 million for Indigenous health policy. This includes funding to address youth mental health, rheumatic heart disease, eye health and sexual health.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Indigenous health",
    "Total_costs": "$115 million",
    "Date_announced": "17/04/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-18/labor-federal-election-indigenous-health-policy/11027234",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/how-the-major-parties-indigenous-health-election-commitments-stack-up-115714"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$115.6 million to tackle preventable health issues, which would include a national obesity strategy.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$115.6 million",
    "Date_announced": "02/05/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theage.com.au/federal-election-2019/coalition-promises-cheaper-medicines-while-labor-unveils-obesity-plan-20190501-p51j1r.html",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labors-election-pledge-to-improve-australian-diets-is-a-first-now-we-need-action-not-just-consideration-116425"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$500 million to hospital emergency departments, half of which will come from the party's Better Hospitals Fund. This is designed to ease hospital wait times.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$250 million (in addition to money from Better Hospitals Fund)",
    "Date_announced": "05/05/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.smh.com.au/federal-election-2019/labor-pledges-500-million-to-speed-up-emergency-department-wait-times-20190504-p51k3h.html",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/money-for-hospital-emergency-departments-in-shortens-campaign-launch-116577"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$40 million to upgrade community health centres in Victoria.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$40 million",
    "Date_announced": "25/04/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theage.com.au/federal-election-2019/labor-vows-to-spend-big-on-community-health-in-victoria-20190425-p51h7z.html",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Ban LGBTIQ conversion therapy, create a dedicated LBGTI+ Human Rights Commissioner and inject an extra $10 million a year into HIV treatment",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "LGBTIQ",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "22/04/19",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.smh.com.au/federal-election-2019/dangerous-and-discredited-labor-pledges-to-ban-gay-conversion-therapy-20190422-p51g8x.html",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$2.8 billion towards the Better Hospitals Fund.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised a $2.8 billion Better Hospitals Fund. This would restore the 50/50 funding arrangement between the Commonwealth and states.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$2.8 billion",
    "Date_announced": "April 2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.smh.com.au/federal-election-2019/labor-promises-to-end-hospital-funding-wars-with-2-8-billion-package-20190413-p51dvj.html",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/as-mediscare-2-0-takes-centre-stage-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-hospital-cuts-and-cancer-funding-115447"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Cap private health insurance rate rises at 2% for two years, and initiate a Productivity Commission inquiry into value of private health insurance.",
    "Long_description": "A Labor government would cap private health insurance rate rises at 2% for two years, and initiate a Productivity Commission inquiry into value of private health insurance.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "04/02/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/04/labor-promises-to-cap-health-insurance-premium-rises-at-2-for-two-years",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labors-2-cap-on-private-health-insurance-premium-rises-wont-fix-affordability-91232"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A $2.3 billion cancer care package, which will include free medical scans, bulk-billed specialist appointments, and new cancer treatments listed on the PBS.",
    "Long_description": "Labor's big-ticket election promise is a $2.3 billion cancer care package. This would entitle cancer patients to free medical scans and bulk-billed specialist appointments, and would see new cancer treatments automatically listed on the PBS.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$2.3 billion",
    "Date_announced": "04/04/19",
    "Link_to_source": "https://theconversation.com/shorten-promises-2-3-billion-package-to-relieve-costs-for-cancer-patients-114926",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labors-cancer-package-would-cut-the-cost-of-care-but-beware-of-unintended-side-effects-114979"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$1,000 worth of dental care every two years for aged pensioners and those who hold a senior's health care card.",
    "Long_description": "Bill Shorten has committed $2.4 billion towards dental care for older Australians. Aged pensioners and those who hold a senior's health care card will receive $1000 worth of dental care every two years.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$2.4 billion",
    "Date_announced": "28/04/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/apr/28/shorten-pledges-billions-for-seniors-dental-bills-childcare-and-educators-wage-rise",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/too-many-australians-miss-out-on-timely-dental-care-labors-pledge-is-just-a-start-116169"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Lift the Medicare rebate freeze within 50 days of election.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised to lift the Medicare rebate freeze within 50 days of election. This ends the hold on increasing payments to GPs and medical specialists, which haven't been raised since 2013.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "24/03/19",
    "Link_to_source": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-medicare-rebate-freeze-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you-114169",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/budget-2019-boosts-aged-care-and-mental-health-and-modernises-medicare-health-experts-respond-114194"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Cheaper medicines for 1.4 million Australians under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This includes expanding the safety net, meaning those who buy a lot of medicines would qualify sooner for free or discounted medicines under the PBS. The plan is worth $308 million.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$308 million",
    "Date_announced": "02/05/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theage.com.au/federal-election-2019/coalition-promises-cheaper-medicines-while-labor-unveils-obesity-plan-20190501-p51j1r.html",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-major-parties-promising-on-health-this-election-116427"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A $100 million dollar package to increase access to clinical trials for rural cancer patients with the money coming from the Medical Research Future Fund.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$100 million over 5 years",
    "Date_announced": "19/04/19",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.smh.com.au/federal-election-2019/scott-morrison-pledges-100-million-to-help-rural-cancer-patients-20190419-p51fo5.html",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$229.9 million over seven years ($140.8 million in forward estimates) to improve mental health services and facilities.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$229.9 million over seven years",
    "Date_announced": "02/04/2019 (in the budget)",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$448.5 million from 2020-21 for a new chronic disease care funding model for practices supporting high needs patients.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$448.5 million from 2020-21",
    "Date_announced": "02/04/2019 (in the budget)",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$320 million this year as a one-off increase to the basic subsidy for residential aged-care recipients.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$320 million",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Cut the planned target of overseas trained doctors by 155, saving $296.3 million over four years.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Lift the Medicare rebate freeze by July 1, 2019, matching the ALP's promise.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will lift the Medicare rebate freeze by July 1, 2019, matching the ALP's promise. This would end the hold on increasing payments to GPs and medical specialists, which haven't been raised since 2013.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Health",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$187.2 million",
    "Date_announced": "02/04/2019 (in the budget)",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-03/federal-budget-medicare-rebate-freeze--mean-cheaper-gp/10967460",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/budget-2019-boosts-aged-care-and-mental-health-and-modernises-medicare-health-experts-respond-114194"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Reregulate the building industry, establishing a national licensing scheme for all building practitioners, introducing a new penalties regime for breaching the National Construction Code and banning flammable cladding.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Housing",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.alp.org.au/policies/labors-plan-for-building-safety/",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/housing-with-buyer-protection-and-no-serious-faults-is-that-too-much-to-ask-of-builders-and-regulators-113115"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Develop a national plan to reduce homelessness through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), build 250,000 new affordable rental homes over 10 years, reinstate a Minister for Housing and Homelessness, and re-establish the National Housing Supply Council.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Housing",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.alp.org.au/policies/reduce-homelessness/ https://www.alp.org.au/policies/labors-comprehensive-plan-for-housing-affordability/",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Subsidise investors who build new property by $8,500 a year conditional upon them renting the property at 20% below market rates.",
    "Long_description": "Labor proposes to subsidise investors in affordable rental housing. Labor will offer an $8,500-a-year subsidy to investors who build new homes for low-income and middle-income households to rent at an “affordable” rate – 20% below market rent. The scheme is expected to cost $6.6 billion over 10 years.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Housing",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$6.6 billion",
    "Date_announced": "16/10/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-16/shorten-goes-big-on-housing-affordability-at-alp-conference/10624154",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labors-housing-pledge-is-welcome-but-direct-investment-in-social-housing-would-improve-it-108909"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Match the Coalition's initiative to provide first home buyers with at least a 5% deposit a guarantee to help them bridge the deposit gap for their first home loan.",
    "Long_description": "Labor immediately matched the Coalition's promise to provide first home buyers, who have saved at least a 5% deposit, a guarantee to help them bridge the deposit gap for their first home loan.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Housing",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-quick-on-the-draw-labor-matches-morrisons-first-home-owners-scheme-116969"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Provide first home buyers who have at least a 5% deposit a guarantee to help them bridge the deposit gap for their first home loan.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will provide first home buyers, who have saved at least a 5% deposit, a guarantee to help them bridge the deposit gap for their first home loan. The plan, which would start on January 1, would be directed to first home buyers earning up to A$125,000 a year, or $200,000 for couples. Labor immediately matched the initiative.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Housing",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-quick-on-the-draw-labor-matches-morrisons-first-home-owners-scheme-116969"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Restrict rules around the skilled worker visa so it only applies to areas of genuine skills shortage, with a stricter system of assessment. It will raise the minimum rate of pay for skilled foreign workers from $53,900 to $65,000 to make hiring Australians more appealing.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Immigration",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "23/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/apr/23/labor-pledges-stricter-rules-for-skilled-worker-visas",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Create SMART — Science, Medicine, Academia, Research and Technology — visa category for international professionals working in Australia.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Immigration",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Business",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Remove the cap of 15,000 places from the temporary sponsored parent visa program and allow families to sponsor parents on both sides.",
    "Long_description": "Labor intends to remove the cap of 15,000 places from the temporary sponsored parent visa program and allow families to sponsor parents on both sides. They will also reduce fees from $10,000 to $2,500 for a five-year visa and from $5000 to $1,250 for a three-year visa, but raise the income threshold for sponsorship.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Immigration",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "22/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/article/2019/04/22/labors-cheaper-parent-visa-cheers-migrants-income-threshold-still-worry",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Cut the permanent migration cap from 190,000 to 160,000 for the next four years and cap asylum seekers granted refuge in Australia at 18,750 a year.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition has announced it will cut the permanent migration cap from 190,000 to 160,000 for the next four years and cap asylum seekers granted refuge in Australia at 18,750 a year. It will also set ratios for 2019-20 of 60% of offshore places for women and 40% of onshore settlements in regional areas.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Immigration",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "28/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-27/coalition-election-pledge-to-cap-australia-annual-refugee-intake/11051932",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/morrison-brings-immigration-centre-stage-with-freeze-on-refugee-intake-116129"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission and the Registered Organisations Commission, saving $152 million.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Industrial relations",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Introduce new protections for whistleblowers and a whistleblower reward scheme to encourage greater reporting of corporate misconduct.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Industrial relations",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "02/02/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-03/whistleblower-reward-plan-from-labor-wacky-government-says/10775244",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Ask the Fair Work Commission to increase the minimum wage to a 'living wage' amount determined by the Commission.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised to ask the Fair Work Commission to substantially increase the minimum wage, at present pegged at A$18.93 per hour (or $719.20 per week), to a 'living wage' amount determined by the Commission. It will only apply to the minimum wage, not to other award wages.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Industrial relations",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/bill-shortens-promise-of-a-living-wage-is-both-realistic-and-necessary-but-its-not-enough-116153"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Reverse the cuts to penalty rates in its first 100 days.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised to restore the Sunday and public holiday penalty rates in its first 100 days. The rates were cut by the Fair Work Commission in July 2017.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Industrial relations",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labor-wants-to-restore-penalty-rates-within-100-days-but-what-about-the-independent-umpire-116154"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Introduce criminal sanctions for employers who seriously exploit workers.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition have committed to introducing criminal sanctions for employers who seriously exploit workers, as well as a national registry scheme to crack down on unscrupulous labour hire firms.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Industrial relations",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "06/03/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.afr.com/news/policy/industrial-relations/coalition-promises-to-criminalise-serious-worker-exploitation-20190306-h1c2o9",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$850 million to Perth Metro Morley-Ellenbrook rail line.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$850 million",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.alp.org.au/policies/nation-building-infrastructure/",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "An inquiry into the Melbourne to Brisbane inland freight rail project.  The inquiry will focus on the route selection process, which has faced accusations of improper lobbying, and the projects financing.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "23/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/apr/23/labor-inland-rail-inquiry-gives-regional-voters-a-clear-difference-farmers-say",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$2.24 billion towards Brisbane Cross River Rail project.",
    "Long_description": "Labor will give $2.24 billion towards Brisbane Cross River Rail project, a 10.2km rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$2.24 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.alp.org.au/policies/nation-building-infrastructure/",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/brisbanes-cross-river-rail-will-feed-the-centre-at-the-expense-of-people-in-the-suburbs-79418"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Match the Coalition's promise to provide $5 billion for Melbourne airport rail link.",
    "Long_description": "Labor will provide $5 billion towards the Melbourne airport rail link. This matches the Coalition's funding allocated in the 2018 federal budget. The project will connect Melbourne airport with the rail service via Sunshine. The Victorian government has given the green light to a feasibility study for the project.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$5 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/congestion-busting-infrastructure-plays-catch-up-on-long-neglected-needs-114598"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Provide $10 billion over 15 years for the Melbourne suburban rail loop.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised $10b over 15 years for the Melbourne suburban rail loop, a proposed new rail network forming a 90-kilometre circle around Melbourne’s suburbs.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$10b over 15 years",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/how-much-will-voters-pay-for-an-early-christmas-eight-charts-that-explain-victorias-transport-election-106782"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$6 billion towards rail projects in Sydney, including the Sydney Metro West link and a rail line to Western Sydney Airport.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised $6 billion towards rail projects in Sydney. $3 billion will go to Sydney Metro West line and $3 billion will go to Western Sydney Rail, which will connect to the new Western Sydney Airport.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$6 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.alp.org.au/policies/nation-building-infrastructure/",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/which-lines-are-priorities-for-sydney-metro-conversion-hint-its-not-bankstown-111843"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$2 billion in funding Northeast Link Melbourne. The Coalition have committed $1.75 billion.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised $2 billion in funding to Northeast Link Melbourne, which will connect the M80 with an upgraded Eastern Freeway. The Coalition have committed $1.75 billion.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "More than $8 billion towards road projects in various states, including upgrading South Road in Adelaide, and the Tonkin and Row Highways in Perth.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised more than $8 billion towards road projects in various states. $2.7 billion will go to South Road upgrade in Adelaide and over $1 billion will be spent upgrading and extending the Tonkin and Roe Highways in Perth. A further $850m will go to upgrading congested roads in South East Melbourne, and $800 million to build Rockhampton Ring Road.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "More than $8 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$1 billion towards buying land between Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane to build a future high-speed rail link.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised to spend $1 billion buying land between Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane to build a future high-speed rail link. This would be the biggest financial investment ever made towards the concept.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Provide $2 billion for the Melbourne metro tunnel project.",
    "Long_description": "Labor will provide $2 billion for the Melbourne Metro tunnel project. The $11 billion project will create a new rail line from Sunbury to Cranbourne/Pakenham, with five new underground stations.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$2 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Wind down the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, honouring existing commitments but redirecting the remaining $4bn to a new Northern Australia Development Fund.",
    "Long_description": "Labor will wind down the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, honouring its existing commitments but redirecting the remaining $4bn in the fund to a new Northern Australia Development Fund.  The new fund would provide $1bn for tourism and up to $1.5bn for a gas pipeline linking basins in Queensland and the Northern Territory.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$4 billion redirected from NAIF",
    "Date_announced": "23/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/apr/23/labor-pledges-stricter-rules-for-skilled-worker-visas",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$9.3 billion to Inland Rail Project.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition have committed $9.3 billion to Inland Rail Project, a 1,700km freight rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$9.3 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan/infrastructure",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/business-as-usual-record-on-transport-leaves-next-government-plenty-of-room-to-improve-113571"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$4 billion in funding for Melbourne's East West Link project, which was cancelled by the state Labor government.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will provide $4 billion in funding for Melbourne's East West Link. The project will connect Eastern Freeway to Citylink in Parkville via a road tunnel. The Andrews government scrapped the project after the 2014 state election.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$4 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/east-west-link-shows-miserable-failure-of-planning-process-40232"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$1.75 billion in funding Northeast Link Melbourne. Labor have committed $2 billion.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will provide $1.75 billion in funding to Northeast Link Melbourne, which will connect the M80 with an upgraded Eastern Freeway. Labor have committed $2 billion to the project.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1.75-2 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/federal-labor-shows-leadership-on-real-projects/",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "The Coalition will provide $1.6 billion over the next four years (for a projected total of $4 billion) to the Urban Congestion Fund, which aims to reduce congestion in urban areas.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will provide $1.6 billion over the next four years (for a projected total of $4 billion) to the Urban Congestion Fund, which aims to reduce congestion in urban areas.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$1.6 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan-keeping-australians-safe-our-roads",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A total of $6.7 billion towards programs to upgrade regional road corridors, and new road safety packages.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will provide a total of $6.7 billion towards programs to upgrade regional road corridors and new road safety packages. Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) program will receive $4.5 billion to upgrade regional road corridors, and $2.2 billion will be allocated for new road safety packages, including $800 million over next four years for programs like Black Spot Program, Roads to Recovery, and Bridges Renewal.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$6.7 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan-keeping-australians-safe-our-roads",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A total of $7.1 billion for infrastructure projects in Western Sydney, including connections to new airport and north-south rail link.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition will provide a total of $7.1 billion for infrastructure projects in Western Sydney. $3.6 billion will go to the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan for road and transport connections to the new airport at Badgerys Creek. $3.5 billion (including $900 million to 2023) will go to the north-south rail link, a new train line from St Marys to the Badgerys Creek airport.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$7.1 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan-western-sydney",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$2 billion ($50m to 2023) for fast rail from Melbourne to Geelong.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition has promised $2 billion ($50m to 2023) for a fast rail from Melbourne to Geelong, which would cut travel time to about 32 minutes.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Infrastructure",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$2 billion",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan/infrastructure",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Continue current rollout of $50 billion network.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition plan to continue the current rollout of the $50 billion network.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "NBN",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "NBN",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/around-50-of-homes-in-sydney-melbourne-and-brisbane-have-the-oldest-nbn-technology-115131"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "No immediate commitments, but will conduct a review, fund service reliability fixes and service guarantees plus focus on a digital inclusion drive.",
    "Long_description": "Labor have made no immediate commitments, but will conduct a review, fund service reliability fixes and service guarantees plus focus on a digital inclusion drive.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "NBN",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "NBN",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-09/labor-nbn-policy-national-broadband-network-lottery/10983778",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/labor-will-prioritise-an-nbn-digital-inclusion-drive-heres-what-it-should-focus-on-115135"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Restore the $83.8 million indexation freeze for the ABC included in the 2018 budget, with an additional $15 million for regional news and emergency broadcasting, restoring short wave radio to the Northern Territory, and a news literacy program. Guaranteed 'funding stability' over the next budget cycle.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Public broadcasters",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "Reversing planned $83.8 million indexation freeze + $15 million boost",
    "Date_announced": "5/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "http://www.michellerowland.com.au/media_release_more_investment_in_the_abc_and_more_regional_jobs_under_labor_5_april_2019",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/the-abc-didnt-receive-a-reprieve-in-the-budget-its-still-facing-staggering-cuts-114922"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "An extra $60 million in funding for the public broadcasters ABC ($40m for scripted drama, comedy, children's entertainment and music programs) and SBS ($20m for dramas, documentaries and other productions).",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Public broadcasters",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$43.7 million over three years for the ABC's 'enhanced newsgathering' program supporting local news, national reporting teams, and state-based news teams.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Public broadcasters",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$43.7 million",
    "Date_announced": "2/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/abc-regional-coverage-bolstered-in-federal-budget/news-story/5c3998c28f7463d7814fc26344177c41",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/the-abc-didnt-receive-a-reprieve-in-the-budget-its-still-facing-staggering-cuts-114922"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "A new Religious Discrimination Act and the creation of a Freedom of Religion Commissioner. Morrison has also re-committed to passing laws protecting LGBTI schoolkids from discrimination in religious schools.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Religion",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "LGBTIQ",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "13/12/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.pm.gov.au/media/government-response-religious-freedom-review",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/the-coalitions-record-on-social-policy-big-on-promises-short-on-follow-through-114611"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "An additional $14 billion to public schools over ten years.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has promised an additional $14 billion to public schools over ten years. This funding is additional to the $23.5 billion increase for all schools that was legislated in 2017.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Schools",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$14 billion",
    "Date_announced": "10/10/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/oct/10/labor-pledges-14bn-for-public-schools-over-10-years-if-it-wins-election",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "An additional $4.6 billion package for Catholic and independent schools.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition has promised a $4.6 billion package for Catholic and independent schools, on top of the $23.5 billion committed to schools over ten years by the Turnbull government, under Gonski 2.0 in 2017. There will be $3.2 billion from 2020 to 2029 for the proposed transition to the new measure for assessing a school’s funding entitlement based on parental income.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Schools",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$4.6 billion",
    "Date_announced": "2/4/2019 and 20/09/2018",
    "Link_to_source": "http://jaf.ministers.treasury.gov.au/speech/002-2019/",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/government-unfurls-4-6-billion-private-schools-package-calming-catholic-critics-103599"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Increase research funding to 3% of GDP.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Science and research",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Research funding",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Stop efficiency dividends and staffing caps within national research institutions and boost CSIRO climate funding.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Science and research",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Ongoing funding for research. No additional research funding.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Science and research",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Research funding",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/how-do-the-major-parties-stem-commitments-stack-up/11090070",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/stem-is-worth-investing-in-but-australias-major-parties-offer-scant-details-on-policy-and-funding-113739"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Continued support for 2017 National Science Statement.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Science and research",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Plan for science and research",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Create a $100 million fund to invest as a majority shareholder in up to 50 businesses a year.  Implementation would also require changes to APRA regulations.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Small business",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$100 million",
    "Date_announced": "23/04/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/apr/23/coalition-to-announce-100m-equity-fund-to-invest-in-small-businesses",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Wind back payouts of dividend imputation cheques to people who don’t pay tax, which will save $58 billion.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Clamp down on negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions, saving $32.5 billion.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Reduce superannuation tax concessions, saving $29.9 billion.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "More fully tax trusts, which will generate additional revenue of $26.9 billion.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Crack down on multinational tax avoidance, and the use of high fees for tax advice as tax deductions.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Reintroduce the Coalition’s temporary budget repair levy of 2% on income exceeding $180,000.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Reverse the Coalition income tax cuts planned for 2022 and 2024, replacing them with tax cuts worth around $200 billion over ten years when the budget position has improved.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Support and extend (for those on lower incomes) the Coalition's low and middle-income tax rebate of up to $1,080.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Lift the instant asset write-off ceiling for small businesses from $25,000 to $30,000.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Increase the low and middle-income tax offset from $530 to up to $1,080 for singles (or up to $2,160 for couples) starting in 2018-19.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Lower the 32.5% tax rate to 30% in 2024-25, and broaden the income threshold for this bracket to $45,001 to $200,000.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Require all ABN holders to lodge a tax return annually from July 2021.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Taxation",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$10 million in funding towards STEM innovations centre.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Tertiary education",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "STEM education",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$300 million for University Future Fund.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Tertiary education",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "Research infrastructure",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/am/labor-promises-$300m-university-future-fund-if-it-wins/10301768",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$10 billion over 10 years to restore the demand-driven system at universities, and will end the current freeze on commonwealth grants",
    "Long_description": "Labor will provide $10 billion over 10 years to restore the demand-driven system at universities. This would end the freeze on university course subsidies imposed at the end of 2017 and allow universities to get government funding for an unlimited number of undergraduate students.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Tertiary education",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "27/2/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/labor-promises-extensive-tertiary-education-inquiry/news-story/acd427d87ad1f39065bee95967863569",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$1 billion for TAFE places and incentives for 150,000 apprenticeships.",
    "Long_description": "Labor has pledged $1 billion for TAFE places and incentives for 150,000 apprenticeships. The package will also waive the up-front fees for 100,000 TAFE places in high priority courses including 20,000 for aged care workers in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Tertiary education",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/balanced-books-spending-on-labor-agenda/news-story/f5648b4b9c9442fa9c14e8db479eb9a5",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "National Science and Technology Council commissioned to improve maths and science enrolments.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Tertiary education",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "STEM education",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$525 million skills package to fund up to 80,000 apprenticeships and assist the vocational education and training sector.",
    "Long_description": "The Coalition has pledged a $525 million skills package to fund up to 80,000 apprenticeships and assist the vocational education and training sector.",
    "Major_item": 1,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Tertiary education",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "2/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "An electric vehicle package that aims for 50% of all vehicles sold in 2030 to be electric, as well as a plan to introduce emissions standards of 105g/km of carbon for light petrol vehicles. They'll work with COAG to set charging standards and roll out charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Labor",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Transport",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "",
    "Date_announced": "31/3/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.afr.com/news/politics/national/labor-sets-50pc-target-for-electric-cars-20190331-p519do",
    "Read_more": "https://theconversation.com/shortens-climate-policy-would-hit-more-big-polluters-harder-and-set-electric-car-target-114561"
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "Aim for 25%-50% of new vehicles sold in 2030 to be electric, and set aside $400,000 in the budget for developing a strategy for how to achieve this.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Transport",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$400,000",
    "Date_announced": "26/3/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/05/coalition-modelling-not-far-off-labors-electric-vehicle-target-despite-criticising-it",
    "Read_more": ""
  },
  {
    "Short_description": "$63 million for veterans wellbeing centres and veterans employment assistance package.",
    "Long_description": "",
    "Major_item": 0,
    "Party": "Coalition",
    "Primary_policy_area": "Veterans affairs",
    "Secondary_policy_area": "",
    "Total_costs": "$63 million",
    "Date_announced": "24/4/2019",
    "Link_to_source": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/apr/24/coalition-announces-63m-veterans-spend-before-anzac-day-election-hiatus",
    "Read_more": ""
  }
]