Emergency services surround state government offices at Martin Place

An envelope containing white powder has been found at the building housing the NSW premier’s office in Sydney’s CBD. Seven fire crews were called to the ministerial offices in Martin Place to deal with the “suspicious” substance.

A suspicious envelope containing white powder has been found at the building housing the NSW premier’s office in Sydney’s CBD.

Police on Tuesday morning responded to reports of a suspicious package at the state government ministerial offices on Martin Place.

It is understood an envelope was opened in the mailroom and found to contain white powder stuck to sticky tape.

NSW Fire and Rescue workers pack up hazmat material outside 52 Martin Place. Picture: Joel Carrett

Government Offices evacuation in Martin Place in the Sydney CBD. Picture: Rose Brennan

MORE NEWS

Protest as Yumi cancels after race row with KAK

PM: ‘Schoolchildren should sit for a digital licence’

Bus driver in double fatal was using phone

NSW Fire and Rescue sent seven crews to the scene to deal with the suspicious “substance” including two hazmat crews wearing protective suits. Their job was to test the toxicity of the substance and make it safe before handing it to police.

The main entrance was blocked off until the area was deemed safe at midday. Picture: Joel Carrett

NSW Police are now forensically examining the powder.

Officers blocked off the main entrance to 52 Martin Place and were stationed inside the foyer.

Government staff could still access their offices, however, via an alternative entrance.

Seven fire crews were called to the building. Picture: Rose Brennan

Premier Gladys Berejiklian was not in the building at the time but Attorney-General Mark Speakman, in a barristers wig and gown, was caught on the street outside.

He said he wasn’t aware what was going on or if the item was addressed to the premier’s office.

“If that’s the case, it’s very disturbing,” Mr Speakman said.

“But I don’t know. I’m not privy to the details.”

NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman outside the building. Picture: Joel Carrett

Asked whether the incident was affecting her office, Ms Berejiklian said: “Not that I know of, no”.

“I always feel safe with the police in control and in charge and that’s all I’ll say on that,” she said.

Emergency services declared the area safe shortly after midday on Tuesday.