The office of Bob Baldwin, Federal Member for Paterson, had a fright this morning (Wednesday 15 July), when a white powder-like substance was found coming out of an envelope from the mail.

Staff said the envelope was ripped on one side and had tape around it.

When the staff member shook the envelope, white powder came out onto her desk. Also coming out were small pieces of white paper. Nothing written on them.

Port Stephens police and the Australian Federal Police were called to the scene along with Fire and Rescue NSW.

Staff had to go into quarantine for a short time while the substance was collected by Hazmat for testing.

Bob Baldwin said, “An interesting morning, potentially hazardous substances were mailed to my electorate office. A big thank you to all of the emergency services personnel for their speedy responses, the Port Stephens Local Area Command, the Raymond Terrace Fire Station and HAZMAT from Newcastle.”

Mr Baldwin wasn’t at his office at the time, however staff activated the Emergency Procedure and handled the situation carefully and responsibly.