Construction stopped after asbestos was found at the site of the Queensland Government's new Executive Building this week.

Equipment went silent at one of Brisbane’s most controversial building projects after the toxic fibres were discovered near the base of the building on 1 William Street.

Reports say the asbestos was contained in metal skirting from China.

The materials have been removed and work is expected to resume shortly.

The State Government has ordered a report into the incident.

The building was commissioned by the former LNP government in 2012 to house public servants, though the Government is only a tenant in the privately-owned and developed highrise.