Authorities are seeking the power to charge disgraced wellness author Belle Gibson with contempt of court — an offence that carries possible jail time — if she wilfully refuses to pay her fines of more than $400,000.

Lawyers for Victoria's consumer watchdog on Tuesday made the application to the Federal Court in a bid to ensure Ms Gibson was "forewarned" against trying to avoid paying the fines, such as divesting assets.

"Ms Gibson has not paid any of the sums required of her," said barrister Elle Nikou Madalin, for Consumer Affairs Victoria.

"What we are trying to do ... is ensure that Ms Gibson is forewarned that from this point onwards, if she does anything to wilfully refuse to pay ... or engage in conduct which is calculated to defeat the effect of the orders, then contempt proceedings are possible against her."