Company representative rested beef (8)

I believe the answer is:

complain

'beef' is the definition.
(I know this)

'company representative rested' is the wordplay.
'company' becomes 'co' (abbreviation).
'representative' becomes 'mp' (Member of Parliament, a representative).
'rested' becomes 'lain' ('lie' can be a synonym of 'rest').
'co'+'mp'+'lain'='COMPLAIN'

(Other definitions for complain that I've seen before include "Grizzle" , "Beef (or grouse?)" , "Express dissatisfaction" , "Grumble, moan" , "Find fault" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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