AAP


Prime Minister Julia Gillard has pledged to boycott any organisation linked to slavery or people trafficking.


Delivering a speech to an International Women's Day breakfast in Sydney on Friday, Ms Gillard says the new strategy means no firm tainted by slavery or people trafficking anywhere in the supply chain will be able to supply goods or services to the government.


While there was no evidence slavery was a big problem confronting Australia at present, "we know slavery or people trafficking are becoming a greater issue as the global economy becomes more interlinked", she said.


Marking the 102-year anniversary of the day of recognition for women, the prime minister said: "Today I'm proud to announce a new whole-of-government strategy to reinforce ethical behaviour in procurement so that no firm providing goods or services to the commonwealth is tainted by slavery or people trafficking anywhere in the supply chain.


"I'd hate to see a single cent of public money go to any entity involved in this vile trade."


Ms Gillard said the level of assault and abuse of women remains too high and the number of women in senior roles is too few.


She recalled meeting two women last month who had been brought to Australia under false pretences.


"Friends, remember these women are among 16 million women who have been enslaved and trafficked over the past decade and this is their day too," she said.