The newest judge to join the High Court bench, Justice Geoffrey Nettle, has such incredible attention to detail that he polishes the bottom of his shoes, an audience heard in Canberra as he was sworn onto the bench.

Justice Nettle, who was formerly a judge of the Victorian Court of Appeal, is the first judge to join the High Court under the Abbott government.

Uncontroversial appointment: Justice Geoffrey Nettle with supporters in the High Court for his swearing-in last week. Credit:Jamila Toderas

At Tuesday morning's ceremony, Attorney-General George Brandis described Justice Nettle as one of Australia's "finest jurists", who was "free of controversy" and was both feared and admired.

At the age of 64, Justice Nettle is the oldest judge to be appointed to the position, which requires all judges to retire by the age of 70. This means he can sit on the bench for only five years.