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UPDATE 2.47pm: A SUSPICIOUS package delivered to the Premiers office this morning showed the importance of having strong anti-terrorism safeguards, John Brumby says.
The package, that was found to be non-hazardous, sparked a security lockdown at 1 Treasury Place this morning.
Mr Brumby said there was no threat to public safety but it was important that appropriate steps were put in place.
“We have had these incidents from time to time in the past (but) they are not common,” he said.
“These things are really far and few between.
"But we have got to be more conscious of these things, particularly terrorism.
"There are stronger safeguards that are put in place that probably weren’t there a decade ago.
“Generally we don’t make too many comments about these matters but I think the good news on this is there’s no public safety issue and the matter appears to be resolved.”
Emergency services were called to Treasury Place at 7.30am and Ambulance Victoria spokesman Paul Bentley said paramedics treated a 23-year-old man suffering breathing difficulties.
Police said the letter remained unopened and security measures were put in place to isolate the package when it was discovered.
The building was not evacuated but the mailroom was locked down.
Alert rating Code Orange was activated after a scanner indicated that an envelope contained organic matter.
The man's collapse heightened fears over the suspicious package, as it was unclear if his behaviour was as a result of coming into contact with the package, or health related.
It is understood the mail worker, who worked for private security firm Wilson’s Security, felt dizzy and was taken outside by a colleague.
Melbourne Fire Brigade spokesman Heather Stockton said the man handled the A4-sized letter this morning.
"The substance has affected somebody in the mail room," Ms Stockton said.
"We don’t think it is Anthrax.
"Our scientific officer is on the scene to identify it."
Fire crews took full chemical safety precautions in dealing with the potential threat this morning.
Several emergency service vehicles converged on the building, including three fire trucks and a breathing apparatus support van.
Attorney General Rob Hulls said such incidents didn't happen often.
"I understand there has been a suspicious package found and an investigation is taking place," Mr Hulls said.
Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokesman John Rees said fire fighters were called after a worker in the premier's office found a suspicious package containing "some sort of powder".
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