Both appeared on stage and spoke in support of the draft platform, its wording consistent with the official government position.But Husic warned that a party that doesn't allow democracy to flourish loses connection with voters.He has a broader point, but it is worth noting the conference is not a town hall public policy forum, but a rank-and-file meeting of Labor members, delegates, unions and politicians.And Albanese is not the only leader to have an iron grip on proceedings. For those nostalgic about conferences past, Bob Hawke delivered a cracker of a show in 1990.Hawke sprung a surprise conference on the party to effectively rubber stamp a cabinet decision to privatise Australian Airlines and part of Qantas.There is a key difference Albanese believes that being a party of government means parking topics that don't align with mainstream issues like the cost of living.Labor figures will tell you they will gladly cop the media condemning their lack of public debate and democracy