Australia's seasonal worker schemes are being likened to modern slavery, with a group of Pacific workers in Queensland's Bundaberg region speaking out about their experience.

Willie* came to Australia under the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) in January last year to make money and support his five children in Vanuatu.

He said hundreds of dollars were deducted from his pay each week for expenses, including accommodation and transport to work on farms.

"Sometimes, you only end up with $200. How can you survive with that," he said.

"When I send the money home, I haven't got none."

Despite a national labour shortage in the horticulture industry, some workers said they were only working half a day, and their income was not covering their expenses.

Mr Levitt said he had received a report of one Bundaberg employer issuing fines of $500 for drinking alcohol outside of work hours.

"They're threatened with fines if they consume alcohol. They're banned from having any sexual relationships with people," he said.