Key Victorian government building evacuated as fire trucks rush to the scene

A Victorian government building home to Premier Daniel Andrews’ private office has been evacuated after smoke filled several floors.

A key Victorian government building has been evacuated. Picture: Supplied

A key Victorian government building which houses the Premier’s private office was evacuated after smoke filled several floors.

More than 150 government staff - including Premier Daniel Andrews, Treasurer Tim Pallas and senior Ministers Ben Carroll, Lily D’Ambrosio and Harriet Shing - were forced to leave the offices at 1 Treasury Place just before 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Firefighters determined that a drive belt in an air conditioning motor had malfunctioned.

“This caused smoke to be pushed through the air conditioning units on several floors, resulting in the evacuation of more than 150 people,” a Fire Rescue Victoria spokeswoman said.

“FRV worked with the onsite engineer to isolate the power to the air handling unit.

“FRV crews used the air handling system in spill mode to clear the smoke affected floors.”

Police could be seen talking to evacuees, who had gathered in the nearby Treasury Gardens for about an hour.

Several government employees headed home from the scene.

The incident was deemed under control just before 4.30pm, and remaining staff were let back inside shortly after.

The government office complex houses the office of Premier Daniel Andrews and other departments including Treasury and Finance.