This is the largest pledge of jobs by an indigenous company to indigenous Australians under the AEC.

The AEC initiative was developed by GenerationOne – an organisation committed to ending the disparity between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

GenerationOne was founded by Fortescue Metals Group chairman and indigenous employment advocator Andrew Forrest.

“ICRG has been a strong member of the indigenous business community, with around 60% of their work force from Australia’s First Peoples,” Forrest said.

“ICRG has had a great impact in individual indigenous communities including joint ventures with the Nyiyaparli Traditional Owners and the Nyamal Traditional Owners.

“It also set up the Little Stars scholarship program, which sponsors 20 indigenous school children in Port Hedland.”

Forrest first encountered ICRG in 2010, through its work with FMG’s Solomon and Cloudbreak mining projects, in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

ICRG chairman Clinton Wolf said Forrest was a champion for indigenous employment because prior to working with FMG his company was struggling to find work.

“In desperation I sent Andrew an email and within half an hour a meeting was arranged with FMG, which eventuated in our first contract,” Wolf said.

“We’re very pleased to make this commitment and hope that by joining the important work being done by Andrew and GenerationOne, we can encourage more Australian businesses to sign up.”

Forrest was unable to attend the event signing, although his wife, Nicola, was there to congratulate ICRG on his behalf.

Since 2010, ICRG has significantly grown – with more than $120 million now under contract.

The company’s head office is in Perth.