The cameras have started rolling for an Australian version of the reality TV series Mob Wives, years after the concept was first floated. 

The show, which originated in the United States, explores the life of the wives and girlfriends of notorious underworld figures. An Australian series has been in the works for at least two years, but the show's pilot was only recently given a wrap.

Roberta Williams, the wife of murdered drug lord Carl Williams, is set to star in the local adaptation. While she has agreed to take part in the show as part of a public relations makeover, it's rumoured Williams comes to blows with one of her fellow co-stars.

"People think they know me and they know my story but Australia has seen nothing yet," Williams told News Corp. "I am a mum trying to do my thing. I reckon even the haters will like me after they see this, they'll see how fun I am." 

Several other women with family links to Melbourne and Sydney's criminal underworld will also make an appearance, including the daughter of convicted drug smuggler Tomislav Samac. 

However, news of the show's possible arrival on national television has enraged victims' advocacy groups, who say it's appalling for producers to profit off those related to convicted criminals. 

Noel McNamara, spokesman for the Crime Victims Support Association, said the show is an affront to common decency. 

"It's a disgrace," he said. "It's quite offensive for people who've lost a loved one to some of our biggest scumbags in the criminal justice system."

McNamara said the show's apparent "trash" format makes it even more of a slap in the face to victims of crime. 

"There's nothing worse than for victims' families to see things like that come up on their TV screens," he said. "It's just re-victimising them all over again."