A candidate for mayor in Queensland has sparked controversy after enlisting a lost international tourist to assist her campaign. Joanne Keune, who is running for mayor in Townsville, said she encountered the man at a busy intersection on Tuesday. He was seeking directions to his cruise ship, using a translation app for communication.

In a now-deleted social media post, Keune recounted how she offered the tourist a ride back to his ship in exchange for helping her with campaign materials. "Here you wobble board for me, for an hour — and I'll drop you back to your cruise boat," she wrote. Keune expressed that the interaction was heartwarming, stating, "It warmed my heart every second I looked over and saw him waving. He loved it."

The post included videos and photos of the tourist and garnered hundreds of comments, with some critics labeling her actions as exploitative. The votes for the Townsville mayoral postal by-election will be counted starting Saturday. This election follows the resignation of former mayor Troy Thompson, who stepped down amid an investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Keune explained that the tourist had suggested he hold her campaign boards while waiting for his ride. According to shipping schedules, the Carnival Luminosa was docked in Townsville on that day before departing for Airlie Beach later in the evening. "We had the most wonderful interaction, and he really enjoyed it," Keune said. She added that the tourist used Google Translate to express that it was the best experience he had in Townsville.

However, her actions drew criticism from other candidates. David Kippin, another mayoral candidate, expressed his disapproval, stating, "The fact that she's campaigning for mayor would have had no bearing and no relevance on the visitor. You're taking advantage of someone who has no idea what [Joanne Keune] is there for. He wants to come and enjoy the benefits of our city."

Acting mayor and candidate Ann-Maree Greaney also criticized Keune's actions, calling them disappointing and inappropriate. "This shows a complete lack of suitable judgment for someone wanting to be a leader," she said.

In contrast, fellow candidate Nick Dametto, who resigned from his position as a state MP to run for mayor, stated he was not interested in the controversy. "At this time, I am focused on my own campaign and my vision for Townsville's future," he said.

Keune, a business owner and former council employee, defended her actions, claiming the backlash was unwarranted. "Anyone who has any criticism had to be there, should go and get a life and honestly has no understanding of what occurred," she said. "Go and get a life. Find better things to worry about."