In his maiden speech in Parliament yesterday, Mr Barclay (24), who replaced Finance Minister Bill English as the electorate's MP, set out three main areas in which he hoped to make a difference during his time in Parliament.
They were: the primary sector; attracting more innovative, skilled and qualified workers to the South; and trade, something that motivated primary sector growth and shaped the workforce.
''We need to be constantly looking for opportunities to expand our export market base, which is why concluding a strong Trans-Pacific Partnership is critically important for the prosperity of my electorate and the country,'' he told Parliament.
And as the people of Queenstown understood, tourism was an important element. Visitors' experiences played an important role in how they perceived New Zealand, Mr Barclay said.
Clutha-Southland's tourism offering opened doors and paved the way for trade and economic benefits the country could enjoy.
''That is why provincial people deserve a strong voice in Parliament in Government - on an equal footing to the representation enjoyed by those living in New Zealand's larger centres.''
But also, the MP wanted to make a difference to people his own age, who were making decisions now affecting the rest of their lives.
They were marrying, buying houses, establishing career paths and having children.
''It is important when we are in this House we consider these people. I hope I will provide a voice for my generation in this place.''
Although some young people might not realise it, politics and the things governments did affected all lives. That was why the constant pursuit of delivering strong, stable and decisive government was important, he said.
