The Theory of "Relativity"

I am with my friend from UK. As a recent migrant he copped firsthand the wrong end of the Australian traffic management stick. He lost 12 points of the 13 available in one day. He simply did not realize we had a thing called "double demerits" that we could switch on and off when it suited us, and that traffic signs were subject to change. He drove on the same road twice using the same speed limit he was familiar with not paying attention to the "bran neau" sign during Easter Break.

It almost sounds like a perfect revenue making trap that was missing a flashing "GotchA" sign at the end of the road.

He then painfully watched the much-hyped "highway patrol" show, which featured someone escaping with just one demerit point and a $600 fine for driving under the influence of methamphetamine. To him, it felt completely unjust.

What are we really teaching here to our new British expat? That considered and calculated intake of meth on the right day is a smarter choice then habitual safe driving on the wrong day?

But whoever claimed that Australian—or any—laws are inherently fair to everyone?

Laws are primarily crafted to maintain a semblance of fairness for the majority, addressing typical offenses and their consequences. However, they often fall short when it comes to effectively dealing with outliers and extraordinary cases.

When discussing methamphetamine in the context of substance abuse, its implications can vary drastically depending on socioeconomic status.

For the wealthy, it often means writing a memoir after years of discreetly offending, sharing lessons on personal growth and liberation, and profiting from the narrative of redemption—all while escaping accountability during the act itself.

• Carrie Fisher - Wishful Drinking (2008)
• Eric Clapton - Clapton: The Autobiography (2007)
• Russell Brand - My Booky Wook: A Memoir of Sex, Drugs, and Stand-Up (2007)
• Cat Marnell - How to Murder Your Life (2017)
• Nic Sheff - We All Fall Down: Living with Addiction (2011)

For the poor, it often translates to a cycle of incarceration and rehab, enduring harsh "tough love" approaches, and carrying the lifelong stigma of a criminal record.

Once again, the application of the law here is a matter of perspective. The word that comes to mind that best suits how the law works is "it's all relative" to ... something - location, jurisdiction, culture, economy, day, month etc.

"Relativity" is often shaped by the community, country, or culture you belong to.

Let's consider the practice of penalizing a new driver by stripping away 12 points from their license as a way to "educate" them. This measure might encourage slower driving, but it doesn’t necessarily promote safer driving. This most definitely promotes distrust and resentment towards the system.

Bulk of the safe driving habits come from incentivizing drivers not punishing them. Incentives like taking up refresher driving classes and gaining points back, incentives that recognize drivers that maintain all their merit points across the year. These incentives simply don't exist in Australia. Mostly because the states operating these schemes can't make money of the back of these incentives. There is simply no revenue in giving drivers tools to better themselves.

Similarly, placing disproportionate emphasis on preventing deaths from motor vehicle accidents—while important—ignores a broader perspective on loss of life.

In Australia, around 8 people die by suicide every day, compared to approximately 3.5 deaths daily from motor vehicle accidents. Yet, there are no comparable measures in place to address those responsible for this equally devastating, yet differently formatted, loss of life. Perhaps there is no incentive to invent a measure because the measure is once again does not translate to any form of revenue raising?

Translate this to corporate affairs operating under hypocritical legal frameworks. Keen to hear your thoughts.

Your thoughts on the matter?

Truly Yours,

Narghiza Ergashova

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Narghiza Ergashova is a highly skilled finance executive based in Australia with extensive experience across industries like property, mining, chemicals, and infrastructure. She is recognized for her expertise in managing complex portfolios, building strong stakeholder relationships, and driving exceptional business performance.

As a thought leader, Narghiza regularly shares valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and personal growth. Through her Medium articles, she covers key topics such as employee engagement, effective leadership strategies, and overcoming business challenges. Her work resonates with professionals looking for actionable advice and inspiration to succeed in both their careers and personal lives.

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In May 2025 Narghiza Ergashova released her debut autobiography called Curly Clix Convictions . The book delves into Narghiza's journey as a professional, entrepreneur, and wife and a mother. You can visit her biography by clicking the link below.