Soofia Tariq

Sydney

Contributor at Freelance

Federal Political Journalist at SBS

Journo @aapfactcheck Previously @SBSNews @canberratimes @GuardianAus

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Articles

Tax office lashes 'dodgy websites' over false superannuation claims

2 weeks ago | thenewdaily.com.au | Soofia Tariq

The age Australians can access their superannuation savings will not start increasing to 70 from 2025, despite claims that are winding up social media users. The Australian Taxation Office says the age at which retirement savings in super can be accessed is set at 60 and will not change from June 1, 2025.
The shocking truth about claims the age to access super is changing

2 weeks ago | dailymail.co.uk | Soofia Tariq

The 'fake news' spreading about your superannuationBy SOOFIA TARIQ FOR AAP Published: 22:01 EDT, 18 May 2025 | Updated: 22:01 EDT, 18 May 2025 The age Australians can access their superannuation savings will not start increasing to 70 from 2025, despite claims that are winding up social media users. The Australian Taxation Office says the age at which retirement savings in super can be accessed is set at 60 and will not change from June 1, 2025.
Virgin River star Martin Henderson embroiled in global catfish saga as scammers create hundreds of fake Facebook accounts

Mar 9, 2025 | thewest.com.au | Soofia Tariq

Hundreds of Facebook accounts purporting to be New Zealand actor Martin Henderson are targeting vulnerable women with promises of getting to know the Hollywood heartthrob intimately. AAP FactCheck has discovered the fake accounts following recent reports a US woman lost $375,000 believing she was in a relationship with the Virgin River star. Experts say the accounts use images and stories about the 50-year-old to specifically target middle-aged women perceived to have poor digital literacy skills.
Fake NZ actor accounts target vulnerable women

Mar 8, 2025 | thewest.com.au | Soofia Tariq
Fake NZ actor accounts target vulnerable women

Mar 8, 2025 | canberratimes.com.au | Soofia Tariq

Hundreds of fake accounts on Facebook purport to be New Zealand star Martin Henderson. Photo: Facebook/AAPHundreds of Facebook accounts purporting to be New Zealand actor Martin Henderson are targeting vulnerable women with promises of getting to know the Hollywood heartthrob intimately.
Coalition's claim on Australia's electricity bills isn't the full picture

Mar 4, 2025 | crikey.com.au | Soofia Tariq

With electricity prices shaping up to be a hot-button issue at the upcoming federal election, the Coalition has claimed we’re paying some of the world’s most expensive electricity bills, but experts say global comparisons are complicated. Both Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and energy spokesperson Ted O’Brien have made the claim while taking aim at Labor’s future energy plans.
Aotearoa was not 'invented' by NZ politician

Feb 18, 2025 | nit.com.au | Soofia Tariq |Giovanni Torre

WHAT WAS CLAIMEDWilliam Pember Reeves invented the name Aotearoa for his book about New Zealand. OUR VERDICTFalse. The word Aotearoa, and its use to refer to New Zealand, predates the book. AAP FACTCHECK - The name Aotearoa was not created by historian and politician William Pember Reeves in 1887, despite social media claims. The claim relates to the name of Reeves' 1898 - not 1887 - history of New Zealand, titled The Long White Cloud, Ao Tea Roa.
Fact check: No, a Queensland solar farm was not "smashed" by wild weather

Jan 21, 2025 | reneweconomy.com.au | Soofia Tariq

WHAT WAS CLAIMED: A news report shows damage caused by hail and wind at a Queensland solar farm. OUR VERDICT: False. The news report is fake and the 2018 image depicts a solar farm in Puerto Rico. The 2018 image shows a solar facility in Puerto Rico, which has been edited to look like a recent news report using a graphics template. The claim about damage to a solar farm appeared a Facebook post after wet and windy weather thrashed parts of Queensland earlier in January.
Indigenous people did not wipe out pygmy population in Australia

Nov 26, 2024 | nit.com.au | Soofia Tariq

WHAT WAS CLAIMEDIndigenous people wiped out a pygmy population that existed in Australia before them. OUR VERDICTFalse. Extensive evidence shows Indigenous people were the only people to settle on the Australian landmass prior to the arrival of the British. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article may contain images of deceased persons.
No, anti-Islamophobia envoy can't 'prosecute' people for insulting Islam

Oct 3, 2024 | crikey.com.au | Soofia Tariq

The new anti-Islamophobia envoy can prosecute anyone who insults Islam on social media. False. The role doesn’t have the legal power to initiate criminal proceedings. The new anti-Islamophobia envoy can prosecute Australians who insult Islam online, social media users claim. This is false. The role is advisory and doesn’t have the power to pursue criminal proceedings against people.