Prison guards and justice advocates are both demanding Corrections is to be held account over its treatment of prisoners including inmates being locked in cells for 23 hours a day.
It follows a scathing report from the Chief Ombudsman, who says the department has repeatedly failed to make the improvements multiple watchdogs have called for.
Judge Peter Boshier says he's "utterly frustrated" at the lack of change.
Soumya Bhamidipati reports.