The move comes as the convicted drug dealer and ex-wife of slain underworld figure Carl Williams has appointed a Los Angeles-based agent to handle negotiations for a new book, a starring role in a local version of a US reality TV show, and the sale of rights for a movie on the Williams crime empire.

"If Ms Williams proceeds with these reported deals, I intend to refer the matter to the DPP to examine whether an application can be made in this case, so that any proceeds Ms Williams may make can be seized and used for the benefit of all Victorians," Attorney-General Robert Clark said.

"Victorians are entitled to be angry if someone who has been convicted of serious crimes then seeks to profit further by selling their story about those crimes."

Shadow attorney-general Martin Pakula said a Labor government would also consider "what options are available" to prevent Ms Williams from cashing in on the crimes of her former husband if they win the November election.

But barrister and proceeds of crime expert Christian Juebner said there was only a "very slim" chance the government could obtain an order restraining or forfeiting any money paid to Ms Williams under the state Confiscation Act.

"That legislation does not contain a specialist 'literary proceeds' provision. If any attempt was to be made to restrain such money it would need be made under federal legislation provided a relevant federal offence could be relied upon," he said.

High-profile convicted criminals that have faced action under proceeds of crime laws at the federal level include Schapelle Corby and David Hicks. Chopper Read turned his royalties for the movie Chopper over to the Royal Children's Hospital.

The controversy over Roberta Williams' planned media deals was sparked by revelations the 45-year-old was in discussions to star in a local version of hit US reality television series Mob Wives.

Referred to as a "docu-soap", the program depicts the daily tribulations of women involved with New York's crime families. Mob Wives Australia is believed to have the backing of US studio the Weinstein Company.

Ms Williams, who is currently seeking compensation as a victim of crime over the 2010 bashing death of Carl in prison, initially denied any knowledge of the show.

It is understood Ms Williams was attempting to keep a low profile after a panel of experts had deemed her to be severely mentally impaired and eligible for up to $500,000 in compensation. Her daughter Dhakota and former father-in-law George Williams are also seeking compensation.

But the activities of the controversial mother of five made headlines again recently after her 20-year-old daughter, Danielle, was charged as an accessory in an attempted murder plot.

Ms Williams has since been engaged in a concerted press campaign to rejuvenate her image, claiming that she is a devoted mother who has been misunderstood by the public.

This has included an announcement she was working on a new book about her life following on from a 2010 autobiography penned in the wake of Carl's death.

Ms Williams is now in a relationship with Robert Carpenter, who was convicted in 1998 over his role in the brutal torture and bashing death of a 14-year-old boy as a part of a drug dispute.

Ms Williams has also been spruiking the sale of her story – as well as access to notes written by Carl in prison – to production companies interested in making a film about life inside the Williams crime empire. She has already indicated that she would like Logie award winner Georgie Parker to portray her in any movie.

In 2004, Ms Williams spent six months in prison after admitting her role in a drug-trafficking ring run by Carl.

The architect of Williams public relations campaign is Steven Gold of talent agency Steven Gold Management, which claims to have offices in Sydney and LA.

Mr Gold, also known as Steven Yankuloff, was charged with drug and weapon offences in 2011 after a police raid on the home of X-Factor winner Altiyan Childs. Yankuloff received a nine-month suspended jail sentence and community service after pleading guilty to two charges.

Mr Gold, who did not respond to a request for comment, also represents other cast members of the local Mob Wives show and has claimed to be acting for the Weinstein Company in Australia.

cvedelago@theage.com.au