Activist group GetUp sent the package to Coalition MP Craig Laundy’s Sydney office, as part of its campaign for a free vote on same-sex marriage.
Mr Laundy said that staff left the envelope unopened, as it “clearly had a powder-like substance inside”.
In a Facebook post published on Monday, he said six police cars, six fire trucks and a Hazmat unit were called over the “suspicious package”.
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“It has since been discovered that it was a stupid stunt by GetUp,” he said.
“I’m all for organisations making contact with me, but to send any undeclared substance through the mail to the office of a member of parliament will inevitably cause alarm and divert important police and emergency services from their critical work.”
GetUp has since apologised, saying that packages of glitter were sent to all Coalition MPs as part of the campaign for marriage equality in registered Australia Post bags with GetUp marked as the sender.
“GetUp would like to express its regret for this misunderstanding and confusion,” a statement read.
“We hope nobody was unduly concerned for an extended period by the glitter.”
The Coalition party room met last week to debate a free vote on a bill to legalise same sex marriage.
The six hour meeting saw almost two thirds of the Liberal and Nationals politicians vote against a conscience vote with the possibility of a public vote floated instead.
A private members bill was introduced to parliament by Coalition MP Warren Entsch on Monday, with the cross party support of politicians such as Terri Butler and Adam Bandt.
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Mr Entsch told parliament that the “time is now” for marriage equality.
“The main purpose of this bill is not a complex one,” he said.
“It is to give same-sex couples the same right to marry the person they love… This bill is designed to promote an inclusive Australia, not a divided one.”
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