Amanda Masono Getsi

Amanda Masono Getsi is a member of the House of Representatives in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Early life

Amanda Masono Getsi is from the Carteret Islands, located to the north-east of Bougainville Island. They are part of the Buka District of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Her father is Raymond Masono, who was vice-president of the Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2020 in the government of John Momis. She obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Papua New Guinea in 2008.

Career

After graduating, Getsi spent five years working for PNG's Division of Law and Justice, before studying for a master's of law from the University of Melbourne in Australia, which she obtained in 2017. Returning to Bougainville, she played an important role in preparations for the Bougainville Referendum Commission, being appointed director of the referendum. The Commission was established in 2018 under the chairmanship of the former Taoiseach of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, to supervise the non-binding referendum on independence from PNG. Held in 2019, the referendum resulted in a 98.31% vote in favour of independence. During the referendum, Getsi worked as External Relations Manager, supporting the media, observers and scrutineers.