Estranged wife of union boss union boss John Setka charged over over plot to kill him

The estranged wife of controversial union boss John Setka has been charged with conspiracy to kill him.

Former barrister Emma Walters was questioned by police on Wednesday and charged with inciting conspiracy to assassinate the Victorian secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.

Victoria Police said in a statement to AAP on Wednesday evening that a woman had been charged “after allegedly attempting to obtain a firearm and threatening to kill a man” earlier this month.

“Detectives executed a search warrant at a residential address in Footscray on Wednesday, where they seized a mobile phone,” the statement said.

It said a 46-year-old Footscray woman was charged with incitement to commit murder, incitement to acquire a firearm and making threats of murder.

When Walters reached out, he told The Age newspaper: “I deny that allegation.”

“I’m handcuffed today, I’ve dealt with the allegations,” she said, insisting she had only taken steps to protect herself.

Mr Setka and his estranged wife are engaged in a long-running legal battle involving allegations that he committed domestic violence and violated intervention orders.

Walters is suing the Victorian government over claims the police failed to protect her.

Mr Setka has denied allegations of domestic violence but was convicted in 2019 of harassing Walters and breaking orders.

Walters has been released on bail to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 5.