NSW Treasurer dismisses board controversy THE NSW Treasurer says the appointment of an old colleague to a plum position on a state-owned board was signed off by cabinet. Treasurer Mike Baird says the appointment of Chum Darvall was "brought to cabinet, discussed at cabinet and approved by cabinet." Mr Baird had told a parliamentary estimates hearing earlier this year that Mr Darvall was qualified for the position. Fairfax Media reports internal government emails revealed Mr Darvall, who worked with Mr Baird at Deutsche Bank, secured his position as chairman of TransGrid through without an interview. Mr Baird and Finance Minister Greg Pearce recommended to cabinet Mr Darvall's appointment. According to the reports, Mr Baird's office in January sought to have the appointments of Mr Darvall and Delta Electricity chairwoman Helen Garnett endorsed by the premier in lieu of full cabinet approval. But in a statement released on Saturday, Mr Baird says every cabinet member approved the appointments. Fairfax also reported the Premier's Department wrote to Mr Baird's chief of staff in January confirming Mr Darvall's appointment had been administratively approved.