Prime Minister Scott Morrision announces two new High Court judges

Justice Simon Steward and Justice Jacqueline Gleeson were announced on Wednesday as the two incoming High Court justices.

They have been approved by the Governor-General and will replace the retiring Justice Geoffrey Nettle and Justice Virginia Bell.

Justice Nettle will retire next month, replaced by Justice Steward, and Justice Bell will retire in February next year, replaced by Justice Gleeson.

Both judges have been elevated from the Federal Court of Australia.

"Every justice appointed to the High Court carries a significant burden to uphold the laws of our land," Mr Morrison told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

"I congratulate Justice Steward and Gleeson and I wish them all the best."

Attorney General Christian Porter said the incoming justices were outstanding legal minds and would make very useful additions to the High Court.

"Both have absolutely impeccable records and skills for the High Court," he said.

Mr Porter described the six-month selection process as exhaustive and extensive.

Justice Gleeson is the daughter of former High Court chief justice Murray Gleeson.

"That places her in a rather unique position. I am told that is a first in common law countries," Mr Porter said.

No South Australian has ever been appointed to the High Court, and the state was overlooked again.

Mr Porter said the historic geographic snub weighed heavily on his mind but he did not commit to appointing a South Australian in the future.

- With AAP