John Setka’s estranged wife has been charged over an alleged plot to kill the construction union boss.

Emma Walters was interviewed by police on Wednesday following claims she had asked a third party to provide a gun to shoot her former partner.

Police have confirmed a search was conducted of a Footscray property and a mobile phone was seized.

A 46-year-old woman has been charged with incitement to commit conspiracy to murder, incitement to acquire a firearm and make threats to kill.

Ms Walters told The Age she had only taken steps to protect herself and will fight the charges.

Emma Walters has been bailed to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday next week.

(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)