A major labour hire firm has been suspended by the federal government after disturbing reports of massive underpayment and unsafe working conditions at a Victorian farm.

Fairfax Media revealed this week that a group of about 50 workers from Vanuatu were employed in unsafe conditions picking tomatoes at a farm outside Shepparton and were paid as little as $8 an hour.

After five months of gruelling work, Ms Roqara will return to Vanuatu with close to nothing. Credit:Eddie Jim

Workplace minister Craig Laundy’s office confirmed Agri Labour had been suspended from recruiting workers under the Seasonal Worker Program pending an investigation.

His spokesman said in response to extra information provided by the National Union of Workers that the department ''immediately commenced an investigation'' and alerted the Fair Work Ombudsman.